A great life has ended, but the legacy of Terry Quinn endures. Certainly, he was generous, understanding and forgiving. His greatest virtue, however, was his capacity to love. He opened his heart and provided a safe harbor for his family, his friends, and his community. Perhaps the sun isn't shining as brightly because of his death, but the world is a better place because of his life. Terry's life started in Ionia, Michigan on March 2, 1928. He was the third son of Terrance Patrick and Mary Burke Quinn. He attended Saints Peter Paul School in Ionia and following his graduation Terry served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. His life was forever changed during a leave from his military service while attending the the horse races at the Ionia County Fairgrounds. While Terry failed to pick any winning horses during that day's races, he walked away with the greatest prize of all, the love of his life, Juanita Cusack of Hubbardston, Michigan. They married on October 17, 1953 after Terry's honorable discharge from the Army. Terry and Juanita moved to Tulsa upon his acceptance at Spartan School of Aeronautics. He attended school then began working as a mechanic for Bradley Oldsmobile. As his love of handwork and his uncommon mechanic ability led him to job with greater responsibility, he rose within the organization until he became the general manager and co owner. Terry's home life flourished, he and Juanita had four children and they became permanent fixtures at Christ the King Catholic Church where Terry served as an usher for over 60 years. In 2011 he was honored by the Parish for his life long commitment to service. Juanita and Terry's children attended Marquette and Bishop Kelley and both organizations benefited from Terry and Juanita's contributions of time, talent and treasure. In November of 2011 Terry and Juanita were inducted into the Bishop Kelley High School Hall of Fame as a result of their life long dedication to the school. Terry left Bradley Oldsmobile and became a partner in Regency Oldsmobile. He then signed on with Chrysler Corporation and became the owner of Quinn Chrysler in Tulsa. Later, both sons, Pat and Mike, joined Terry and they owned and operated additional dealerships Mike Quinn Dodge, and Quinn Chrysler Jeep of Bartlesville. Terry's organizations embodied his integrity, quiet strength, goodwill and creativity. The dealerships were routinely recognized as five star dealerships lauded for outstanding service and sales. Terry enjoyed a national reputation as one of the country's best dealers. In 1990 he was recognized as the TIME Magazine Automotive Dealer of the Year. He was also respected and admired by his peers who elected him the president of the Tulsa Automobile Dealers Association, the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association and the Chairman of the local Chrysler Dealers Council. He was the president of the Tulsa Auto Show for 20 years. He served on many local philanthropic boards as well as Oklahoma's Used Motor Vehicle Commission. The industry will never have a finer ambassador than Terry Quinn. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, John Remington 'Jack' Quinn and William Michael Quinn. Terry is survived by his wife of 61 and a half years, Juanita Cusack Quinn. He leaves behind his children and their spouses who love Terry like a father, Pat and Lorri Quinn, Mary Quinn and Frank Cooper, Camille Quinn and Donna Rhodes and Mike and Jean Quinn. He also leaves loving grandchildren, Kelly and Ty Warren, Katy Quinn, Quinn, Teddy and Maggy Cooper, Kim Madden, Kristin Quinn, Liz and Zane Kirk and great-grandchildren, Laurel, Lyla, Mason and Chloe. His family wishes to thank his doctor, Brent Dennis, and his care taker, Phil Kingston for their tireless assistance. Terry Quinn was a gentleman and the gentlest of men. He was honest, kind, sensitive, devout and humble. He was a defender of our nation and its most sacred values-a member of the greatest generation. He championed the dignity of all people and was honored to lend his steady hand. He enriched our lives and brightened our world. He made everyone feel significant and through his vibrant example, he encouraged us to become better people. We will miss his easy charm, the twinkle in his eye, his radiant smile, and his loving embrace. He has left us forever, but he will never be far from us because his legend is etched on our hearts. A funeral mass will celebrate the life of Terry Quinn at his parish home of Christ the King Catholic Church on Thursday,May 22nd, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Bishop Kelley Tuition Assistance Fund, 3905 S Hudson Ave Tulsa 74135.
Service:
05/22/2014 00:00
10:00AM
Christ the King Catholic Church
1520 S. Rockford Tulsa, OK 74120