Terry L. Williams, 45, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2009, in Sturgis, SD. Terry was diagnosed with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in November 2007.

Terry was born July 15, 1964, in Salida, CO, to Karl and Patricia (Sage) Williams. He is survived by his parents, Karl and Pat Williams of Sturgis, SD; brother, Derek Williams and Jane Sheridan of St. Paul, MN; sister, Karla (Marvin) Geersen of Rapid City, SD; nieces, Amanda, Brittany, Cassidy, and Darcy Geersen; and nephew, Ian Williams.

Terry graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1983. He graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with minors in Criminal Justice and English. He also obtained a degree in Special Education with a Middle School endorsement from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD; and a Drivers Education Instructor Certificate from Chadron State College, in Chadron, NE. Terry then accepted a position with the Newcastle, WY, School District as a Special Education teacher. While at Newcastle, he also taught Drivers Education, coached basketball, and refereed various sports. In 1999, Terry was nominated by students and received the Gold Star Award as the Outstanding Middle School Teacher for the State of Wyoming.

Terry later worked for the Trident / Buckskin Mining Company in Gillette, WY, until his illness would no longer allow him to work.

Terry has been an officer for the Sturgis Police Reserve for the past nineteen years. The TV show, COPS, rode with Terry for the episode they filmed about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He was often found on the corner of Main and 2nd Street with the "paddy wagon" visiting with the bikers.

Terry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing and boating on the local lakes. He spent many summers going to Alaska to fish for salmon and halibut and enjoy the beauty of the state.

Terry was also a scuba diver and made many dives in Lake Oahe. On one dive, he retrieved a petrified buffalo skull in the mud. Terry enjoyed all types of activities including rock climbing, sky diving, and riding snow mobiles. His favorite activities involved spending time and having fun with his family, nieces, nephew, and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. A Sharing and Celebration of Life gathering will be held Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.

Funeral services have been set for Monday, October 19, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis with Pastor Kyle Reinhiller officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.