Terry M Teets

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure; You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." "There's a place in our hearts no one can fill, we miss you Dad, and always will". Terry Michael Teets, 67, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 at Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada, comfortably and unwitnessed, the way he wanted it even though family and close friends surrounded him the whole time. He was born in Las Cruces, NM on May 17th, 1950 to Benjamin and Veda (Cole) Teets. Terry made Las Cruces his home and there lived out most of his life. Terry was extremely proud of his Son and Daughter and loved them oh so dearly: Noah Michael Benjamin Hollingshead and wife Jaclyn, and Cassi Hope Cole (Teets). He had also developed a special bond between his two grandchildren, Aizlee (6) and Kash (3), children of Noah and Jaclyn. Terry was the only child, and was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Veda Teets; how excited they were to welcome Home their "Sonny". He is also survived by the mothers of his children, ex-wives: Donna Hollingshead, mother of Noah, and Mary Jane Fellion (Massengill), mother of Cassi. He is also survived by many loyal and loving friends, who are family for all intents and purposes, who not only made a point of being there for him and his family towards the end of his journey, but all during his life. He made and kept friends from all walks of life, was a great neighbor, and most importantly, not just a Father, but a DAD who was exceptionally loved by his children. He really was a blessed and fortunate man; gone much too soon and will be sorely missed by all. Terry was a unique man, not easily placed into a box. He had a great smile and even better sense of humor, of which he kept all the way to the end. He was tough as nails and had a rough exterior but that was softened by his heart of gold. Those that know him will attest to that. He did all he could to protect his kids even to the very end. His characteristic attire was Levi jeans, a Levi or Wrangler snap-button down western shirt, nice western boots, and a cap. Two of his favorite things were Coca Cola and ice cream and not surprisingly, were the two last things he asked for and consumed with pleasure. He was a lover of animals, outdoors, and his house; he was quite an introvert and a very private man in many ways but always made an impression on those he met. Terry was an exceptional athlete beginning at a young age, and especially through high school at Las Cruces High, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, track (pole vaulting) and he even played football. He was the recipient of many athletic awards, including State Champion. He received athletic scholarships to several colleges, but instead made the conscious choice (not drafted) to enlist in the US Army with a good friend. He enlisted in November 1968 and completed basic training in El Paso at Fort Bliss. Terry served in the Vietnam War from May 12th, 1969 to June 21st, 1970 in the 4th Infantry Division 124th Signal Corps on Dragon Mountain outside of Pleiku. Thankfully he came home alive and was honorably discharged. His terminal date from the reserves/unit obligation was November 1974. Terry had a passion for automotives, from old classic autos to motorcycles; Harley Davidson's, especially. He also had quite the collection of guns and knives and enjoyed going shooting, which he did with a friend not long before he passed. Terry was truly a talented and knowledgeable man in many areas, most notably for his creative genius in motorcycle mechanics and fabrication. He has built, re-built, and worked on countless incredible bikes. In 1976, Terry bought a small engine shop called Wheelsport from Arnold, who started it in 1973. Terry owned and operated it from 1976 to 1984 or 1985. He is credited with turning it into a reputable motorcycle and Harley-specific shop, and it is considered the longest running motorcycle/Harley shop in Las Cruces, NM. Terry even drew and designed the original Wheelsport logo. He sold the shop to the late Dave Reynold's (Cindy Reynolds), and now the shop is owned by Chris Crawley, graciously still carrying on the legacy and operating in Las Cruces. Terry also worked with his friend, Bill Crawley, at Hard and Down Customs for some years building and working on even more motorcycles. In later years, Terry enjoyed spending time in his own oasis that he created on the outskirts on his home, from his lush green grass, trees, plants, beautiful roses, to the rock wall and fencing. He also had an extremely loyal canine companion, Blackie III, they were like two peas in a pod. He maintained old friendships, created some new ones, and of course basked in creating wonderful memories, spending time with and building on the relationships between he and his children and family. The memorial service for Terry will be at Getz Funeral Home (1410 E Bohman Ave) in Las Cruces on Friday, February 23rd at 11:00am. Terry will then be laid to rest near his parents at the Hillcrest Cemetery. The pallbearers for Terry will be: Noah Hollingshead, Mike Bates, Michael "Beaver" Tarasoff, Chuck D'Antonio, Ken "Weasel" Harry, Vann Ivy, and Bill Crawley. Honorary pallbearers: Jake Evans, and Michael Michaels. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada in Memory of Terry Teets, or to the family. Please contact Mesilla Valley Hospice for donation details. A truly heartfelt and special Thank You to Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada care team in Las Cruces for their loving, attentive, proper care and support in this most difficult time. Terry was very comfortable during his time there, and his family is forever grateful for the wonderful care and respect that he received, as a human being and as a Veteran, from beginning to end. Also, Thank You to Getz Funeral Home for all of the arrangements, and for their compassion. Service Information
Friday, February 23, 2018 11:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

5140 W. Picacho Ave.
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007