Terry Vandiver Obituary

Terry Lynn Vandiver,74, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on October 5 surrounded by his loved ones in his home after a valiant battle with cancer. Terry was born on March 7, 1949, to Walter and Carrie Vandiver in Blytheville, Arkansas. He grew up in Cooter, MO and moved to Lakeland in 1957. Terry met the love of his life, Judy Jones, and they were married on January 9, 1970. Terry served in the Army for two years, including a year in Viet Nam. He went on to become a skilled carpenter and worked many years for Register Construction. Judy and Terry lovingly raised two children together, Jennifer and Jerry. Terry adored his two grandchildren, Landon and Laney, or "Laneybelle" as he called her. Terry was an avid fan of NASCAR Racing and loved the outdoors. He was an accomplished fisherman of both freshwater and saltwater species. He made many happy memories fishing with Jerry in Tampa Bay while on the family's annual 4th of July trip to Anna Maria Island. He enjoyed spending time with friends at their hunt club in Polk County. Terry was often found cheering on his grandchildren at any of their sporting events. He bicycled to Peterson Park almost daily, to feed peanuts to the squirrels and visit with friends. Terry will be remembered for his kindness, his big heart, and his love for his family. Terry was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Carrie Vandiver, his beloved daughter, Jennifer Vandiver Steinberg, sisters, Shirley (Ken) Kennedy, Betty Whitfield, Jimmie Smith, and brother, Jerry Vandiver Sr. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Judy Vandiver, his son, Jerry Vandiver and daughter-in-law Dawn, grandson, Landon Vandiver, granddaughter Laney Vandiver, sisters, Janie Cheshire, Pamela Vandiver, and Patti (Robert) Glass. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday, October 9, 2023, at 10 am with services to follow at 11 am at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. Interment at oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33812. The family would like to welcome all family and friends to join us for a Celebration of Life at the screened pavilion at Peterson Park from 1-4 pm after the service on Oct. 9, 2023. Casual dress.