Terry Roger Atchley, 78, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at Anderson Hospital on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Born on July 7, 1946, in Granite City, Illinois, he was the cherished son of the late Harold B. and Wanda Rose (Camp) Atchley.
Terry earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in political science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Throughout his life, Terry distinguished himself as an exceptional educator and a gifted kitchen designer. He had fond memories of teaching middle school in Aviston, Illinois. A faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Granite City, Terry was an avid reader and a regular attendee of bible study. He never missed a Wednesday gathering of the Coffee Club in Granite City. Terry was a passionate Cardinals baseball fan and loved watching games with friends and family. He loved all his grandchildren, often traveling to Pinckneyville, Illinois to attend soccer games. Terry had a broad social circle and spread joy and laughter to all who knew him. He was always there to listen and to support those in need. He was a beloved fiancé, a loving father and grandfather, and a dear brother. His legacy of dedication, compassion, and love will live on in all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Mary A. (Krauskopf) Atchley.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Joseph (Kathy) Atchley, of Alton, Illinois, Jeffrey (Cristi) Atchley, of Lindale, Texas, Jacob (Angelina) Atchley, of Granite City, Illinois, and Amanda (Anthony Johnson) Atchley, of Du Quoin, Illinois; his fiancé, Betty DeRuntz, of Granite City, Illinois; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Morgan), Eli, Axel, Mikalia, Ethan, Allison, and Isaiah; his great grandson, Theodore “Teddy” Atchley; his siblings, Georgia (Kenton) Smith, Daryl (Maria) Atchley, and Duane (Tammy) Atchley; his fiancé’s children, Christine (Joe) Williams and Laurie (Patrick Cushna) DeRuntz; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Memorials are appreciated to St. John Lutheran Church in Granite City. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois.
Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, Illinois with Pastor Bill Hale officiating. Interment will be held privately in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
