It’s so hard to imagine Terry not being here but there is no doubt where he will reside for eternity. I met him in high school, friends with daughters Beth and Jenn. Somehow it became a regular thing to pray and have bible study and constant fellowship together at their house. Terry, and his Princess Bonnie, were like my other parents. I’ve always loved them both and always will. 

Terry taught me and many others what a man’s role and duty are as Christians. Not that I have come close to his example, I am a better man because of his leadership and love. 

Everyone will tell of his big Teddy bear qualities but I saw something different. It was a Jesus like strength. The kind where Jesus is strong and decisive, making the hard decisions without delay, crushing evil and leading the masses through example. 

Terry wasn’t perfect, he was better than that. He was perfect in Christ. He showed all us youngin’s how you’re supposed to love your wife. How to lead in love. How to forgive. How to pray. Terry showed empathy before it was a thing. 

I’ve not seen Terry in a long time and for that I am regretful. I live in FL now and wish I could have been at the funeral. We’ll meet again and talk football, business and women like we used to. Love ya big man, congratulations- you’re home now. You’re family will be covered in Grace and will be fine but will never forget or diminish your legacy. And yes, you’ve left a beautiful legacy for the kids, grandkids and more to follow! 

In Him,
Ron Steiger

Have you ever known someone, though at times they may not have shown an emotion but just their presence was one of care, compassion, love, kindness, and even humor. That someone was Terry Phillips. I first met him through my best friend who would always refer to him as Daddy Terry and his wife, sweet Bonnie. It didn’t take me long to follow suit and call him that too. Daddy Terry was so full of wisdom and a no-nonsense humor that you couldn’t help but love. Although he and Bonnie moved away, they always had a special place in my heart. Hearing the news of Daddy Terry’s transition was like losing a family member. I’ll miss that smile he had and those short phrases filled with profound wisdom.  Love you Daddy Terry,
Lisa

My husband , Rick, went through the year of discipleship training with Terry  and Bonnie first.  He was so enthusiastic about it - and I saw such a change in him . He talked me into going, which I did not want to do.  We had just lost our son in an accident and my grief had carried me to a place that was not healthy.  Reluctantly, I agreed to try it.  My life was changed in ways I never dreamed possible.  Terry brought the gospel of grace into our training and my eyes were opened for the first time in my life.  Terry and Bonnie taught the truth, but ALWAYS in love .  During counsel sessions, Terry and Bonnie helped me get rid of the dark veil over my life- a veil of shame, grief and the message that I could never measure up.   Terry could and did speak into me ,  with grace, but the truth I needed to hear.
My Rick is in Heaven as well, and I just know he and a throng of others met Terry at the gates.
It’s so rare to meet someone who lives - Always - what they believe, but Terry did.
Well done good and faithful servant- go enjoy your reward, you earned it!
Thank you for sharing your life.  Bonnie, I’m praying faithfully for you!

Time has just flown by since I last spoke with Bonnie and Terry, but the impact they had on my life continues every day. Terry’s use of stories as he taught spoke to my heart. They were so often very personal and revealed his openness to be vulnerable for the sake of God’s glory. I always think of Bonnie and Terry when I eat cheesecake or see a bunch of grapes, especially on the vine. These are just two of the many stories Terry used to illustrate the need for receiving instead of achieving. I will never forget the lessons. Terry would often boldly ask a difficult question that I needed to hear. It was confrontational. But it was done with such gentleness and compassion that I was encouraged to truly seek the answer and I felt safe because it was someone who cared enough to ask. Both Bonnie and Terry tenderly point people to Jesus. I am sure Bonnie and Terry’s journey toward ministry and the path they took included many ups and downs, risks, and uncertainties, but I am so thankful they were willing to be used by God and to walk in alignment with His will for them. Terry will be greatly missed but I smile when I think of Him with Jesus right now laughing and having a good time. Bonnie, I miss you and love you! I think of you often. Please know that you are in my prayers as you travel that mixed up road paved with both grief and the beautiful memories of you and Terry. 

Terry had a great influence on my life as he led me and others through a discipleship class. He (and Bonnie) showed me love, grace, truth, gentleness, and power in so many ways. He ALWAYS honored me, and ALWAYS encouraged me. His style of leadership has led me to lead others in discipleship in the same way. 

I considered Terry a great friend from whom I learned a lot about life over the years of our friendship. A particularly fond memory from the past was our trip to Prague, the Czech Republic with his wife Bonnie, Ellen Couch, Dena Menard and also my wife Linda and children, Emily and Luke. We were there as part of a counseling ministry invited by local churches to work with some of their people. Our time together, both then and across the years, was life changing.

Terry will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to Bonnie, his daughters and grandchildren.

With Much Love and Prayers,
Terry and Linda Borsare

Terry has always held a special place in our hearts. He came alongside us during a very difficult time in our lives and exuded warmth, comfort and strength. His grace and love gave us encouragement and hope when we had none. We will always remember the smile on his face and the light in his eyes. 
Bonnie, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and will always have that special place in our hearts. 



So grateful for Terry’s life. He was a man marked by truth and grace, gentle and caring, but strong and courageous. He didn’t relish conflict, but he didn’t avoid it. Terry’s life impacted untold numbers with goodness. The world has lost a great person. I am a better person for having known him. My deepest sympathy to Bonnie and family as you attempt to navigate the loss. 

There were so many times that Terry and Bonnie came to the rescue of me, Herb and Grace Life Church.  What a blessing he was to all of us!  His calm demeanor and quick wit always made any situation better!  Bonnie, my heart and the hearts of so many others are with you now and in the future and PLEASE call on us if we can help in any way!  

You are our bother and sister in Christ. Our relationship and marriage has been transformed by your love and obedience to Papa’s calling. We love you all and praise God for the legacy of this wonderful man ❤️  Our prayers are with each of you. Heaven has gained a saint. 

OBITUARY

Terry Austin Phillips

January 23, 1945 – November 19, 2021

Leak Memory Chapel

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