TERRY JOE GUINN

Terry Joe Guinn was born in Rusk, Texas, on December 13, 1939; he died on March 21, 2024.

He graduated from Rusk High School in 1958 and attended Tyler Junior College for two years. While there, he was a member of the TJC Apache Band. He attended North Texas College and transferred to Stephen F. Austin where he received his bachelor's degree in psychology and history. Mr. Guinn served two years in the United States Army. Upon his release, he attended Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, where he received his Master's of Social Work.

He worked as a social worker at Summit Oaks children's home in Laneville, Texas Youth Commission in Crockett, and at Cherokee County Health Department. He was honored by Stephen F. Austin State University for his service in developing their Department of Social Work and he taught as an adjunct professor there for many years.

Mr. Guinn actively served on the Cherokee County Historical Commission for several years where he was proud of his research for new historical markers. He was on the Cherokee County Child Welfare Board and loved playing Santa at their yearly Christmas party. He enjoyed his volunteer work at the Good Samaritan. Terry Guinn was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Rusk, having been a member for seventy-six years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Hearne and Mearl Wallace Guinn, his brother Bryan Guinn, his sister Mary Kate Holcomb, and his nephews Johnny Jennings and Daniel Mims.

Survivors include his sister Gloria Guinn Jennings of Rusk; sister-in-law Charlene Ault Guinn of Dallas; sister Nancy Guinn of Rusk; sister and brother-in law Dixie and Bill Mayall of Clifton, Virginia; brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Toni Guinn of Rusk; and niece Cindy McGuinness of Rusk. Other survivors include nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Rusk or the Good Samaritan of Rusk. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at First United Methodist Church.