Obituary of Terrall Ellis Raper

Terrall Ellis Raper was born on June 30th, 1936 and entered into Heaven on August 30, 2017. Terrall was born in Hazen, Arkansas to Wiley Warren Raper and Mineola May Buchanan Raper. Terralls’ family moved to De Valls Bluff, Arkansas when he was 8 years old and remained in the area through his graduation from high school in 1954.Terrall worked most of his life as an owner operator in the trucking business, having owned Fletcher Trucking from 1988 through 2001 and then he worked closely with his son, Tim at T&T Truck Repair. Terrall served his country for two years in the U.S. Army; Hell On Wheels Division. He served part of that time in Germany, stationed at the Berlin Wall before its fall.

Terrall married Sandra Kaye Thrift on Christmas day, 1967 and they presided in Brinkley, Arkansas until they moved to Tulsa in 1970 and then to Collinsville in 1973.

Terrall is preceded in death by his wife, Kaye, his father, Wiley Warren and his mother Mineola May, two brothers, Billy Eugene and James Donald and one sister, Laverne Studie. And one nephew, Jimmy Lynne Studie.

Terrall is survived by one daughter, Amanda Blakesley and her husband, Martin of Collinsville, one son, Timothy Raper of Talala, five granddaughters, Allie (Oopie), Kilie, Kristian, Katie and Kelsey, one grandson, Aries (Tadpole) and one great-grandson, Kasyn Leroy. One nephew, Kenny Clevenger and a whole host of other nieces and nephews. Terrall is also survived by his beloved dog, Molly Anne.

Terrall was a gifted musician that had a love for bluegrass, classic country and gospel music. Often, Terrall could be found listening to bluegrass music at any number of festivals around Green Country. He had a special place in his heart for a bluegrass group called the Cantrell’s. He enjoyed playing guitar for Kaye, Amanda and Bonita at the church while they sang. Terrall instilled his love for music in his children, his granddaughter, Allie and numerous kids that attended the church over the years.