Terry Lee Smiley
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Terry Lee Smiley, a longtime resident of West Alexander, and for the past three years, of Townview Health and Rehabilitation in Canonsburg, had the privilege of living to the age of 75 years old until he and God decided that was long enough.
On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, cancer took his body, but his mind, heart, and spirit were his until the end.
He is survived by his only and favorite son, Shawn, of Washington; and his favorite daughter-in-law, Rebecca; as well as his older brother, J. Martin Smiley, of Maryland; and nephew, Scott Smiley, of Maryland.
His wife of 51 years, Billie Jo Ferrari Smiley, preceded him in death in November 2019.
He was born September 7, 1946, to Russell Duane Smiley and Helen Noble Smiley of Bentleyville.
Growing up on a farm, he learned to drive a tractor before he learned to drive a car. Because of that, he was proud of the fact that he passed his driver’s test the day after he received his learner’s permit.
Terry earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, with Principal certification, from California State College, now California University of Pennsylvania.
He was a longtime teacher, principal, and coach with the McGuffey School District. Strong but fair, he was a force to be reckoned with, as many former students and fellow teachers can attest to.
He was also an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with family and friends, locally as well as in the woods of north-central Pennsylvania, Michigan, and South Dakota.
Terry enjoyed a good cup of coffee or a beer, homemade spice cake, and conversation with good friends. Woodworking and building things with his own two hands was not just a skill but a true talent of his. He was also a longtime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a supporter of the Wounded Warriors of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Funeral arrangements through Behm Funeral Home are incomplete at this time, but a memorial service, officiated by Rev. Dr. Stephen Smith, of First Presbyterian Church 1793, Washington, will take place when weather and Covid conditions allow.
Interment will be at Greene County Memorial Park in Waynesburg.
In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to support the Wounded Warriors of Southwestern Pennsylvania.