A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 12 PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, from 10 AM until time of the service. The service will be followed by a catered luncheon at the funeral home. Terry’s family requests those attending wear Michigan State, or green, and casual clothing.
An additional service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 11 AM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E Grand River, East Lansing. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 9 AM until time of the service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, after which lunch will be provided at a local establishment. Terry’s family requests those attending wear Michigan State, or green, and casual clothing.
The family requests no floral arrangements; Terry grew so many flowers in his yard that he had no need for any others, and Linda will continue to enjoy the hundreds of flowers that he left behind. Memorial contributions may be made to MSU Community Music School – Detroit, 3408 Woodward, Detroit MI 48201 or University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive CCGC 6-303, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0944. Terry was successfully treated at the cancer center for 11 years before ultimately being taken down by a massive heart attack. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Terry was born on October 30, 1949, to Russell & Dora (Wolf) Wainright in Lansing, MI. He graduated from East Lansing High School in 1967. He continued his education at Michigan State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management-Personnel Administration. Terry then enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1972; he then served at Fort Benning, Georgia until he was honorably discharged in 1973. Through the GI Bill, Terry returned to Michigan State, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology. Terry worked as a claims representative, and in management for the Social Security Administration for 32 years before retiring in 2009. On June 29, 1991, Terry married the love of his life, Linda McPherson, in Sterling Heights, MI.
Terry was a member of Lest We Forget, the Historical Society of Michigan, and many genealogy societies, including The Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe. Being an avid genealogist, he had been helping to index the recently released 1950 census; he said this was his way of helping people locate their family member(s). Terry’s family referred to him as the keeper of the family’s past and its memories. He was a passionate Michigan State fan, usually wearing Spartan attire, and he enjoyed attending the annual Steak & Suds, supporting the Berrien County MSU Alumni Club.
Terry loved nature. His home was surrounded by hundreds of flowers and many bushes and trees that were relocated or grafted from his grandparents’ and parents’ homes. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, having been to 49 states (missing Hawaii), most of the Canadian provinces, and several European countries. In his spare time, he could be found reading or working around his property, but his most cherished time was spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Terry is survived by his wife Linda McPherson; his children John Wainright, Celeste (Mansoor) Kanpurwala, and Daniel (Kaylee) Wainright; his siblings Joan (Bill) Southwell, Robin Wainright (Peggy Trescott), and Dawn (Jak) Leece; his grandchildren Adam and Noah Kanpurwala; and several nieces and nephews.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dora Wainright.
Memorial Contributions
The family requests no floral arrangements; Terry grew so many flowers in his yard that he had no need for any others, and Linda will continue to enjoy the hundreds of flowers that he left behind. Memorial contributions may be made to MSU Community Music School – Detroit, 3408 Woodward, Detroit MI 48201 or University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive CCGC 6-303, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0944.
Service Details
Posted On: Monday, May 9, 2022 3:15 PM
