Terry  Ray Gairhan

Terry Ray Gairhan

April 14, 1953 - March 28, 2021

Terry Ray Gairhan of Jonesboro departed this life on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR at the age of 67 years, 11 months and 14 days.  He was born Tuesday, April 14, 1953 in Trumann, AR and lived in Jonesboro the past 26 years and was formerly of Trumann.  He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Elizabeth Gairhan; and his parents, Herman and Anita Gairhan.  Terry was an extraordinary man to be around.  He graduated college from Arkansas State University with an Agriculture Economics Degree.  He was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho and has incredible bonds throughout the generations with the men of Arkansas State’s Beta Upsilon Chapter.  Later in life he continued this call to duty as a member of the Elks Lodge #498 in Jonesboro where he has made friendships that will live on in legend forever.  Wherever there was a philanthropic call to have some good times cooking, Terry made himself available.                                               Terry leaves a legacy in agriculture that will be remembered for a long time.  He began his agriculture career working for Paul Hanshaw in Jonesboro.  Later his work in ag business with several companies that eventually became Bayer moved Terry and Debbie to Sikeston Missouri, Columbus Ohio, Kansas City Missouri, and eventually he was called back home to Jonesboro. Moving back to Jonesboro as the National Sales Manager for cotton was a large achievement. Before retiring earlier this year he ended his ag career working for Nichino America.  Terry loved working with people and helping them reach their goals just as much as he prided himself in achieving his own.  “No surprises” is how Terry liked to do business, he believed people worked better as a team.     He believed in Jonesboro and loved telling people where he lived, and he was even more excited about telling people all things Red Wolf.  As a member of the ASU Marching band, he was just as proud of the half-time show as he was the winning touchdown pass.  Terry was well known as one of the first tailgaters to start the tradition outside ASU’s stadium.  If you ever attended one of these tailgates, you didn’t leave hungry. His sincere love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. From his cherished marriage of almost 43 years, to his children he never missed milestones and special moments for, to his granddaughter that he’d move mountains to spoil. And countless other siblings and “outlaws,” nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends as close as family he made feel so special with every holiday and gathering. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Wright Gairhan of the home; one son, Zachary (Kaycee) Gairhan of Jonesboro; one daughter, Emily Gairhan Boyd of Searcy, AR; one brother, Michael (Susie) Gairhan of Trumann; one granddaughter, Savannah Boyd of Searcy;nephew, Christopher (Amy) Gairhan of Marion, AR; and niece, Micha Gairhan of Helena, AR. His Great Nephews Grayson Gairhan and Croft Price.    On Debbie’s side, five brothers Mike (Janice) Wright, Jeff (Carol) Wright, Scott (Kelly) Wright, Todd Wright, Boyd  Wright A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 10th at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jonesboro with Rev. Kevin Gore officiating.  The family will receive friends after the service.       In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Terry R. Gairhan Memorial Scholarship. Checks can be made out to ASU Foundation, P.O. Box 1990, State University, AR  72467 and notating Terry Gairhan in the memo.          The link for online donations is https://www.astate.edu/a/advancement/give-now/index.dot The donors should select Other and notate Terry Gairhan or mention his name in the comment section.       In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, will be what the church requires. Online guest book can be signed at www. thompsonfuneralhome.net