ROCKLAND — Terrance “Terry” Benner Sr., 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 20, 2025, at the Sussman House in Rockport.

Terry was born on August 26, 1955, to Theodore Benner Sr. and Leona Teel Benner of Rockland, and was raised on Benner Hill with his four brothers and a sister.

In his early years, Terry faced challenges due to a rare hip disease, for which he received treatment at Shriners Hospital. During his recovery, he became known as the fastest kid on crutches in the area. He attended North Elementary School in Rockland and graduated from Rockland District High School in 1974. During high school, he was known for working on cars, being part of Doug Ripley’s Pit Crew, and helping his father deliver “King Cole” chips.

After graduating, Terry married Dianne Ackley of Rockland in 1976, and together they became proud parents of Terrance “TJ” Benner Jr. and Angela Benner.

After working with his father, Terry started his own business selling Wise chips from 1981 to 1994, earning him the nickname “The Wise Guy.” He was a devoted salesman throughout his life, from selling chips, to trailers for On the Road, to home appliances throughout Knox County. Terry was well-known in the area and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Terry was an outgoing man who loved spending time with his family and friends. He served as president of the Benner Reunion for many years and was a member of the Oakland Park bowling team. He was deeply involved in the community—serving as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop Leader in Warren, attending the National Jamboree at Brunswick Naval Airbase, working with the Warren Park Committee, and organizing numerous community fundraisers.

He had a passion for four-wheeling, boating, motorcycling, and cruising in his 1987 Chevy IROC. He especially loved snowmobiling with family and friends and was the head of the Bog Brigade Snowmobile Club for several years. He rode thousands of miles across New England and Canada, and especially cherished the annual Benner family snowmobile rides in Rangeley, Stoneham, and Blaine. He was also known for his love of telling jokes and always brought laughter wherever he went.

Terry was predeceased by his mother, Leona; father, Theodore; brother Brian, and many other dear friends and family members.

He is survived by his brother Theodore “Butch” Benner Jr. and his wife Susan of Rockland; brother Bruce Benner and wife Vantanee “Jim” Benner of San Antonio, Texas; brother William “Bill” Benner of Rockland; sister Bonnie Benner-Gamage and her husband Gary Gamage of Rockland; and brother Bradford “Brad” Benner of Rockland. He is also survived by his two uncles, many cousins, and nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his son Terrence “TJ” Benner Jr., his significant other Amy Phillips of Warren, and grandson Connor Benner; daughter Angela Benner-Henderson, her husband Damen Henderson, and granddaughter Melayna Benner of Warren. He had many cousins, nieces, and nephews who made a huge impact on his life.

Terry was an avid family man with strong family values that he passed on to everyone he met. He deeply loved and cherished the time spent with his family.

Per Terry’s wishes, he will be cremated, and a memorial party will be held this summer. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Sussman house in Rockland, and Pine Tree Camp in Rome.