Joel Burton Terrill

Joel Burton (Burt) Terrill passed away on January 21, 2025. He was the son of Clarence and Margaret Terrill, born in 1941 in San Angelo. Burt and his twin brother, Burl, along with their sister Barbara (Rowland), have enjoyed a long lifetime of friendship all the way to his final day. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dela. Their children are Craig and wife Melodi, children Ryan, Ashley Kendrick (Jordan), and Brooke; Mike and wife Melani, children Mason and Megan; Tammy Glass and husband Jason, and children Laurel Lacy (Nathan) and Hunter.

Burt grew up in San Angelo, working with his brother Burl for their father, Clarence Terrill, at Terrill Manufacturing. Burt graduated from Lakeview High School, where he served as Class President in both his Junior and Senior years. He then attended Texas A&M University, where he was an E-2 Company Lieutenant, Battalion Commander, and Ross Volunteer. He was a distinguished military graduate of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘63. He married Dela in 1963 and began his military career. Burt went on to receive his MBA from Syracuse University in 1971. He served as an Infantry Officer and was Airborne and Ranger Qualified. After 10 years of service, including two tours in Vietnam and in the Pentagon with the Army Staff, he resigned his commission as a Major to return to private business in San Angelo.

Burt served his community in many business, religious, government, and civic roles. Burt owned T-C Ranches, Rainbow Oils, Belvedere Cemetery, and Cactus Oils, and was co-owner of Terrill Manufacturing. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church and Glen Meadows Baptist Church. He also served on many mission trips as a Sunday School teacher, a youth group volunteer, and any other calling God placed before him. Burt was Mayor of San Angelo 1985 to 1987, and a Councilman from 1980 to 1985. He was also the chairman of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission and the San Angelo Public Housing Authority. He served on many boards and associations as a member and President or Director. He had a passion for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the West Texas A&M Club. Burt and Dela chaired Fiesta Del Concho in June of 1980.

After Retirement, Burt returned to his woodworking heritage and enjoyed working in his shop on projects for the kids, grandkids, church, and other friends and family. His woodwork was his art, along with sculpting and poetry, and was displayed in local galleries and sold at Eggemeyer’s. Burt loved playing with his grandkids, working at the ranch, and completing word searches. In the last several years, he looked forward to Thursdays with the 3B group (Burt, Burl, and Bob) where everyone was welcome; you never knew who would stop by to help solve all the world's problems.