Terry C. Walters, Sr. “T.C.”
Age 81, passed away June 17, 2024. Terry graduated from Sexton High School where he participated in many sports and excelled at track. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was a graduate of Lansing Community College, and later worked for many years in the Lansing area as a well-known car salesman. He loved his job and called it his “hobby.” Terry was the best Dad and Grandfather. He adored his grandchildren. He loved selling cars, working out, playing cards, attending all the grandkids’ events, dancing, and any social event. Terry was also one of the original founders and a coach of the Capital City Wrestling Club. He was loved by all that knew him. He always spoke kindly of everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Janie. They would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in July. Also survived by children: Terry “T.C.” Walters, Jr. and Kelly Leece (Jim); grandchildren: Alec Leece (Rachel), Gage Leece (Rachael), Mattie Thalison (Jimmy), Logan Walters, and Drew Walters; great-grandchild: Haiden Leece; siblings: Roland “Bud” Walters, Sharon Hartford, and Sandy Rich; and many other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Margaret “Peggy, and a brother John “Jack.”
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917. Visitation will be one hour prior on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
64 Messages to “Terry C. Walters, Sr. “T.C.””
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COY L WOODRUFF
June 19, 2024 at 11:33 amWEBSTER
Already I miss your constant smile. Our days of delivering
G&W appliances together will remain in my thoughts
forever. Watching you admire your own muscles making
mine seem small. Of course mine were in my head.
You were a great husband to Janie and a wonderful
father. You will be missed by all who knew you.
C.W. MOSS (Coy)
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 11:41 amThank you so much Coy!
Bob Dalton
June 19, 2024 at 2:48 pmSo sorry to hear about Terry. Blessings to his family. He will be missed.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 11:44 amThank you Bob
Lori and Tracy Smith
June 20, 2024 at 1:43 pmMy husband (Tracy) would get home from work and walk over and talk to Terry almost every day. We have missed Terry so much since he hasn’t been well enough to be outside doing “his chores”. Now we miss him even more. He would talk to and cared about everyone he spoke to. He was the best neighbor you could possibly have. Janie, you got a good one. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything. Take care.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 11:55 amThank you Lori and Tracy Dad thought the world of both of you and talked about you all of the time. Thank you for all of the things you did for my Mom and Dad.
Terri Assaf Worden
June 20, 2024 at 2:09 pmOur neighborhood is forever changed with Terry’s passing. Janie and Terry have been more than neighbors these 33 years I have shared fences with them. He took a genuine interest in everyone and never passed up a chance to inquire how everyone and their families were doing. My grown sons recall that he always treated them as individuals and never talked down to them when they were children. Terry’s face would light up any time he spoke of his children and grandchildren, and so proud to relay news of their respective school, sports, and job accomplishments. As with so many in his life, I also bought vehicles from Terry. I dare say, he never steered anyone wrong in his sales, and boasted many repeat customers. He often said sales was about developing relationships and there was no reason to do “the hard sell”. Words are insufficient in conveying the heartache I feel for his family as they navigate life without him. Terry was one of the good ones. He will be missed tremendously.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 11:58 amThank you so much Terri! You have been a great neighbor and friend to my parents.
Michael Wiggins
June 20, 2024 at 7:37 pmTerry was a great guy. My mother purchased cars from him throughout the years. He was cheerful, positive, and had a great sense of humor. He attended my mother’s visitation when she passed in 2016. Always so thoughtful. I would run into him every now and then at Planet Fitness in Lansing. He will definitely be missed by the community.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 11:59 amThank you Michael!
John Monkman
June 20, 2024 at 8:55 pmI have known Terry since highschool. He was a very fine and genuine friend. He not only sold Ruth and I nice cars but gave me a job as a car salesman.
I was glad to be able to see him more this last while and he will always be in my thoughts.
God bless you Janie
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 12:40 pmThank you so much John!
Monty Norris
June 20, 2024 at 9:04 pmSo sorry to hear about the loss of this great guy. Terry and I were founders and coaches of the Capitol City Wrestling Club. He was a very dedicated coach and father he will be missed by all who knew him. RIP my friend.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 12:43 pmThank you so much Monty! The wrestling club was a great time and ment a lot to all of us in it.
Chris and Laura Nugent
June 20, 2024 at 9:10 pmBig T was just a great guy. He always made you feel at home and was interested in what you had going on. He could talk to anyone. It was a privilege to know him. All our love and prayers to his family.
T.C. Walters
June 20, 2024 at 11:22 pmThanks Nuge
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 12:44 pmThank you Nuge and Laura!
Mattie Thalison
June 21, 2024 at 7:58 amThe greatest of all time. To know him is to love him. I was absolutely blessed to have such a fun, loving, and compassionate grandpa.
He was such a great role model. Family first and hard work second. He always saw the best in everyone, and was always willing to help.
He was also one of my biggest cheerleaders, coming to every event from academic awards, choir concerts, softball, benchwarmer for basketball, and even stopping into my college job.
I love you Grampy.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 12:47 pmMattie you nailed it! They broke the mold with Grampy! We are all Blessed to have him! Love you S.L.B.!
Mike Fontaine
June 21, 2024 at 8:52 amTC will be terribly missed and deepest condolences to the family. He and I go all the way back to my mother who were born the same year and she introduced me to him when I was 16 and I bought my first car, as my mother and grandmother did before me, and then that went on for the next several decades plus with him and him only. What I enjoyed the most was going to the dealership and just sitting and hanging out, catching up on our families, and him always making me laugh. Loved that guy!
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 12:47 pmThank you so much Mike!
Mike Blonde
June 21, 2024 at 4:10 pmCondolences to the entire Walters’ family. T.C. was one of a kind, and raised a great family! A life well lived.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 10:04 pmThank you so much Mike!
Peggy Ruiz-Helmic
June 21, 2024 at 8:04 pmKelly and family, I was so sad to hear of Terrys passing! My deepest condolences go out to all of you. I have many great memories and so glad I got to see him and chat at the diamond classic. He was always so kind, funny and thoughtful and had the most upbeat personality! Rest easy Candyman !
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 10:07 pmThank you very much Peggy! My Dad loved attending all the sporting events and bringing the candy for everyone!
Tim and Lori Barry
June 21, 2024 at 8:44 pmWe are so very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was always so friendly and kind always asking about the kids. We sure will miss seeing him out and walking the dogs! A truly wonderful neighbor…our block on Sand Point won’t be the same without Terry!
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 10:20 pmThank you Tim and Lori!
Debbie and Bill Kandler
June 21, 2024 at 9:10 pmTerry was a wonderful neighbor. Never met anyone more friendly. I enjoyed the evenings when he would stop and talk while on his walk with his dogs. Terry seemed to know everybody in Lansing. I could mention any person in conversation and Terry would know them and have a story about each. We are blessed to live in a neighborhood with many really good folks, but the “hood” is nonetheless diminished minus Terry.
Kelly
June 21, 2024 at 11:35 pmThank you Debbie and Bill! My Dad loved talking to all of the neighbors.
Kim Thalison
June 22, 2024 at 4:44 pmWe wish we could have known Terry longer. He was so excited when Mattie and Jimmy were getting married. We’re grateful he could be there and have a good time. We’ve been thinking of your family this past week.
Marc & Kim Thalison
Kelly
June 23, 2024 at 12:24 pmThank you so much Marc and Kim.
Katie Marrison
June 22, 2024 at 7:22 pmReading numerous messages from neighbors on our street isn’t the least bit surprising – running into Terry outside was always a bright spot, both as a kid and in my visits home after moving away. I don’t think anyone else got away with calling my brother “Andy” but Terry sure did; I was usually Katie-girl we crossed paths. He made every person he talked to feel special, and I know he will be so sorely missed by everyone whose lives he touched. Sending love and hugs from afar to the whole family in this difficult time.
Kelly
June 22, 2024 at 11:39 pmThank you Katie!
Linda Schelb
June 23, 2024 at 12:20 pmAlways will remember Terry greeting us with a big smile, a warm hello and a hug or handshake. He made you feel like family. He was always good at staying in touch, even if you hadn’t seen him a while. Will definitely miss his phone calls; just checking in from time to time to see how you were doing and catching up. He loved his family more than anything and was so proud of each and everyone of them. He was the best husband, father, grand/great father and friend. We will truly miss him.
Our love and prayers,
Ken and Linda – Parsons-Harper-Schelb
Kelly
June 23, 2024 at 3:26 pmThank you so much Ken and Linda!
Katie Brown (Walters)
June 23, 2024 at 12:22 pmUncle Terry always has had a special place in my heart. He was always ready to have fun and rock and roll! Always called me Katie girl and could make anyone in the room laugh. He had a great life and will be missed
Thinking of all of you and will be praying for all of you during this time— love and miss all of you!
I know him and Grandpa Jack and Grandma Peggy are healthy and partying right now in Heaven!
Kelly
June 23, 2024 at 3:28 pmThank you Katie Girl! You are so right about Grandma Peggy and Uncle Jack.
Rachel Leece
June 23, 2024 at 3:00 pmOne of the most kind and genuine people I’ve ever met. I felt so lucky to be marrying into the family he and Janie built together, and he treated me like one of his own since the day I met him. He was always full of so much positive energy and knew how to make everyone laugh and smile. I’ll never forget him being in the center of the dance floor at me & Alec’s wedding, dancing the night away! His care free spirit was always so admirable.
You could tell that family was the most important thing to him, in the way he took genuine interest and care in everyone’s lives. He will leave a lasting impact on all those he touched and he will be missed greatly by so many.
I’m so lucky to have known him for the years that I did. He really was the best.
Sending all my love and prayers
Rachel
Kelly
June 23, 2024 at 9:10 pmThank you so much Rockin Rachel. We love having you in the family and so did my Dad right from the very beginning!
June Rochon
June 23, 2024 at 5:40 pmThis makes me sad! I used to babysit Kelly & TC for quite awhile way back when. Miss those days. I loved your family and your Dad always treated me with respect, walked me home (3 houses down on Briarfield) when they got back late). I haven’t seen him in many years, but I would think of your family often. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
June Pakkala Rochon
Kelly
June 23, 2024 at 9:12 pmThank you so much June! I remember those days.
Janet Hershey
June 23, 2024 at 11:35 pmJanie…I am so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. He was one of the good guys from school. You face some difficult times ahead. I lost my husband in April, an almost up & down roller coaster lies a head, but let your children help you. You can figure it out. Nothing is easy,but nothing is impossible either. Sending you hugs Janie…..
Kelly
June 24, 2024 at 10:50 pmThank you Janet.
Jim Hagberg
June 24, 2024 at 9:29 amReading these comments, you see a great testimony to Terry’s life. He was a great family man, a great neighbor to many and a true friend to all who met him. I bought several cars from Terry and knew he was always giving me the best deal. Even when not buying, I stopped in to see him. He always updated me on his family. He was proud of all of you! After leaving Lansing, we even drove from Florida to buy from him! Sorry he never made it to The Villages for a visit. Terry is already missed by so many. May he rest in peace.
Kelly
June 24, 2024 at 10:51 pmThank you so much Jim.
Richard & Barbara Adado
June 24, 2024 at 10:59 amJanie & the Family, I just wanted to wish you the Best, and I will always remember TC’s Great
personality, and smile. The Years we spent together at Shaheen Chevrolet, I will never forget,
plus the times my wife saw him in Kroger shopping Too.–God Bless the Family.
Kelly
June 24, 2024 at 10:52 pmThank you Richard and Barbara. Richard my Dad loved those days at the Dealership thank you.
Sharron Henderson
June 24, 2024 at 7:23 pmSo sorry to hear about Terry wow we go back a long way and of course Capital City Wrestling was part of it keep those memories close to your heart sending hugs from all the Henderson Family.
Kelly
June 24, 2024 at 10:54 pmThank you so much Sharron.
Denny Moore
June 24, 2024 at 8:15 pmTerry and I were friends for many years. We both attended Sexton High School and made some good memories. My wife and I bought lots of cars from him. terry would stop by and say hi when he was on his walks. When I would walk past his home and he would be out working in the yard, I would stop to talk. Me and my wife Linda sold homes to Terry’s friends and family. Linda bought cars from Terry at Shaheen Chevrolet. He will be missed. Denny and Linda Moore
Kelly
June 24, 2024 at 10:56 pmThank you Denny and Linda.
Rick blackburn
June 24, 2024 at 8:48 pmMy dear brother since we met in the air force in 1964 at Chanute afb!! My roommate until sweet Jamie came to start their life journey together!! My whole life was blessed by his friendship and love.. we will be together again as I know he has gone home to wait for all he loved!! I loved his family and his bride of 59 years… the love of his life!! His light was joy and that smile of friendship and trust!! Big heart big man.. a blessing that got gave us friendship and love and fun!!! RIP tc!!! C as he said stood for cliff…..always said meant drop over anytime
Kelly
June 24, 2024 at 10:56 pmThank you so much Rick.
Ken Marrison
June 25, 2024 at 9:43 amWhat a great friend and neighbor. Always had a smile. I’ll miss our catching up conversations as you would walk the dogs. “What’s happening Kenny?”, we frequently talked about what our families were up to. He loved going to see the grandkids and watch their various sporting events. Terry, you will be missed.
Kelly
June 25, 2024 at 9:34 pmThank you so much Ken! My Dad loves talking to all of the wonderful neighbors. He did always refer to you as “Kenny”.
Janice (Bebiak) Fruland
June 25, 2024 at 10:00 amTerry was a classmate at Sexton, that very special Class of ’61. We were the school of champions then, and Terry was one of the best cheerleaders of all. He even dressed up as a mascot for a game or two. That was worth a lot of laughs and his photo earned a spot in the yearbook. Those were truly wonderful times. I am saddened by Terry’s passing but his joyful spirit lives on in our hearts.
God bless you dear man! Thanks for the memories.
God bless you dear man.
Kelly
June 25, 2024 at 9:35 pmThank you Janice.
Todd & Amy Rusnell
June 25, 2024 at 9:48 pmWe are so sorry to learn about Terry’s passing. He was such a great guy. Fun, kind, caring, and what a smile.
God Bless
Kelly
June 26, 2024 at 6:58 amThank you so much Todd and Amy!
Alec Leece
June 25, 2024 at 11:06 pmTerry was my grandpa and I could not have asked for a better one. When my siblings and I were young living in Marysville we would always wait anxiously by the window for him and my grandma Janie to pull into the driveway. He always came to our extracurricular activities and supported us in endeavor growing up, always with candy in hand (or pocket). We loved having sleepovers at our grandparents and talking him into letting us stay up way past our bed time listening to stories of Crumb Dog. Or playing couch football and earning a chipped tooth or two. As many know he was a Notre dame fan, I’ll miss watching ND vs. MSU football games with him and telling him how bad his Fighting Irish were. I always knew to expect a call after any MSU basketball/football game and him to ask “so what did you think?”. I enjoyed going to see him at the dealership once in a while and hitting Sam’s Club for a few laps of samples at lunch time. His desk was full of pictures of all his grand children and family and he told everyone about us any time he could. He truly had the gift of gab and could make friends with anyone. If he sat down next to you and you isn’t now one another, you would by the time you left. All of my friends loved him and referred to him by Terry Clifford. They looked forward to his annual recap of the DeWitt vs St John’s football game. We still quote him to this day: “Enjoy life, enjoy everything. Onward”. Any get together won’t be the same without him asking who wants to play euchre or “ how bout one more hand” as you’re about to head out. I have so many more stories and things I could say about him but It would be impossible to put jot them all down. I’ll forever cherish my time with him and the lessons me. Everyone who ever had the provide to know him is better off for it.He was truly one of a kind and I hope that I could be half the man he was. Love you Grampy!
Kelly
June 26, 2024 at 10:37 amAlec Wow! What an amazing tribute to Grampy! Thank you so much for sharing this. I love you!
Lisa and Paul Mantel
June 26, 2024 at 3:49 pmWe are so very sorry for your loss. Both Paul and I were so privileged to have met him and got to know him. He even told me and Paul how family was everything to him and that you were all very close. What a gift he was to all of you! I enjoyed dancing with him at Rachel and Alec’s wedding. I could tell he loved a good time and being with his beloved family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hold his memory in your heart. He will always be with you
Our sincerest sympathy,
Lisa & Paul Mantel
Kelly
June 27, 2024 at 12:58 amThank you so much Lisa and Paul! He loved dancing and had such a wonderful time dancing with you at the wedding and getting to know the both of you!
Laurie Bodo
July 3, 2024 at 8:41 pmI just found out that Terry passed away. Janie posted on my dads memorial page on Palmer Bush. Terry and my dad Hugh Cosgrove were close friends. Hugh had the car lot BJ’s across from Shaheen’s. I loved going to the car lot. Reading all the posts about Terry I can understand how they were great friends. Hugh passed away June 27. I’m sure they both are having a good laugh right now. Prayers for healing your hearts to mend.