Terry Lee Vallance

Terry Lee Vallance, age 63, of Battle Creek died Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Battle Creek on December 23, 1949, the son of Charles E. and Norma C. Vallance.

Terry was a 1968 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and attended Kellogg Community College. For the past forty-three years he was a loyal and hard-working employee in various capacities at the now Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and retired in February of this year. Terry took great pride in his job and always went the extra mile for the hospital and for everyone he came in contact with. He will be remembered for his warm personality, his genuine smile that was ever-present and his big heart. Terry excelled at helping and caring about and for people and treated everyone fairly and equally. His level of generosity and kindness was a rare gift. He continued to help even in death as he gave to the Gift of Life Program as a donor.

While at Kellogg Community College, Terry received certifications as Reserve Police Officer, and as a Correction Officer. He volunteered at Portage Police (Kalamazoo) for over twenty years as a Reservist. He was a past member of the Leila Auxiliary and participated in several of the Leila Follies. He was also a member of the Ira A. Beck Masonic Lodge #503. Terry had a great love for children and volunteered many hours with Special Education children and the Special Olympics. Over the years he has coached many youth in football, baseball and wrestling and very much enjoyed the time he spent with them.

Terry is survived by his brothers, Randy and Rolland Vallance; his step-siblings, Dan Launius, Darlyn Turner, Deanne Crane; his daughter, Amy Korp; his grandchildren, Nathan Korp and Serenity Smith; his former wife and dear friends, Deb Keagle-Erickson and her husband Greg Erickson. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Vallance.

Our joys will be greater, Our love will be deeper, Our lives will be richer……because YOU made a difference! God Speed, "Big T"

A memorial visitation will be held 12:00p.m. to 1:00p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where services to celebrate Terry's life will be held at 1:00p.m., Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society or the Cancer Care Center of Battle Creek.