Terry Lee Tenney

Terry Lee Tenney, 80, longtime resident of South Bend, Indiana, died the evening of March 29, 2026, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was recently under the care of family and passed away peacefully surrounded by them.

Terry was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, August 23, 1945, the second of five sons of Elmer and Lewella (Wright) Tenney. A 1963 graduate of Harper Creek High School, he rarely missed a class reunion in 60 years. As a student of drafting and business management at Kellogg Community College, he was hired at the Battle Creek plant of Clark Equipment Company in 1967 and soon transferred to their facility in Dowagiac, Michigan, where he was Lead Pressman at the Clark Graphic Arts Center. He departed Clark-GAC in 1981 and had roles in the start-up of a number of commercial printing shops including Osthimer, Inc. and McCoy Creek Printing in Buchanan, Michigan. Terry was a champion bowler through the 1970s and 1980s and occasionally a top finisher in corporate golf tournaments during those years. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his brothers, and was always the first to arrive at gatherings.

He is survived by brothers Edwin A. (Cynda) Tenney of Ludington, Michigan, Stephen J. Tenney of Battle Creek, Michigan, Herbert A. (Jamie) Tenney of Battle Creek, Michigan, and nieces and nephews of several generations, all of whom held him in high esteem. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael B. Tenney.

According to his wishes, cremation and a private gathering of remembrance will occur.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Remembrances of Terry or personal messages for his family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.