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Terry Lee Stinson

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Terry Lee Stinson, 73, born Oct. 12, 1946, departed this earthly world Jan. 2, 2020, and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Lynn (Heinzerling) of 38 years, his cherished son Christopher Hunt Stinson, brother Richard Stinson (Carol) dearest sister Nancy (David) Trott and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan, Terry graduated from Seaholm High School in 1965. Joining the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, Terry served his country on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Independence where he excelled in a demanding and dangerous position as part of the catapult and arresting gear crew. During multiple tours in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, he was quickly promoted to crew chief as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. He then transferred to the naval base in Rota, Spain, where he served as an air crash rescue firefighter. With a life-long love of aviation, he attained his private pilot’s license while in Spain. 

After his discharge from the Navy, Terry’s civilian career brought him to management positions at Wright Airlines and Ground Air Transfer, Inc. Terry then transitioned to the petroleum equipment industry and brought to market new technologies for safe handling of fuel products. He then became a successful independent manufacturers representative, and designed and developed two pollution control devices marketed and used nationally. 

A true Michigander in every sense of the word, Terry loved Northern Michigan and embraced his great passions — boating, fishing, and skiing. Although a native of southeast Michigan, “Up North” was always in his heart. His close friends and son share many wonderful memories with Terry both in the woods and on the water. He especially loved the beauty and peace of Michigan’s Inland Waterway region. 

For over 40 years, he was a loyal and dedicated member of Kirk In The Hills Presbyterian Church. In the latter part of his life and despite declining health, he became very active in programs for struggling combat veterans and the less fortunate. He was also a member of the Birmingham Senior Men’s Club and greatly enjoyed playing euchre with his devoted family of friends. Terry will be greatly missed by his family, wide circle of friends and the people whose lives he touched. 

A memorial service was held at Kirk In The Hills in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the Veterans Outreach Programs at Kirk in the Hills or the Live Streaming ministry at Kirk in the Hills, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48302. Please indicate program on the memo line. 

~Lovingly written by Christopher and Lynn.

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