Terry E. Brookins, Sr. – 71 – of 268 Grand St., Hornell, died Thursday evening (July 28, 2022) at his home following a brief illness, surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Born in Olean, NY on March 12, 1951, he was the son of Fred & Ruth (Hale) Brookins.

Terry grew up in Hinsdale, NY and was a graduate of Hinsdale High School (class of 1969).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1971 – 1981 (during the Vietnam Conflict).  While in the Army, Terry was stationed in Baumholder and Bremerhaven Germany with the 293^rd Engineer Battalion, in Ft. Bliss, TX and Ft. Devens, MA.  Throughout his service years, Terry received many awards and recognitions, and was honorably discharged with the rank of SPEC 5.  Terry enjoyed the time he spent serving his country, especially his tours in Germany.  He loved talking about the people he met, the things he did, and places he visited.  Terry especially loved talking about the time he walked the length of the airplane all the way to Germany holding, and consoling, his infant son, and about how his daughter loved driving her purple “Cuda” pedal-car around, while being stationed at Fort Bliss.

Throughout the years, Terry was employed as a truck driver, using the CB handle “Munchkin.”  Terry drove for numerous trucking companies in Massachusetts, New York, and Texas, driving throughout the United States.  His favorite items to haul were apples & trees.  While stationed in Germany Terry belonged to, and was the president of, a CB Radio Club; his original CB handle was “Papa Hinsdale,” but was later changed to “Tinkerbell,” because that was the name his daughter wanted him to use.

A collector of firearms, Terry previously owned several rifles, shotguns, and pistols, one was a limited-edition NYS issued Police Revolver, number 25 of 50.  He also enjoyed owning and riding horses throughout the countryside.  Terry loved watching Action and Western TV shows and movies. In recent years Terry took pride in rebuilding and restoring his 1997 Chevy Silverado Z71.

Those who knew Terry best, knew he was a proud, simple, and easy to please, man.  He was kind, gentle, giving, and loving man, putting the wants and needs of others before his own, even if it meant he went without.  Terry would do everything he could to help other people.

Terry often mentioned how much he enjoyed living on Grand St., “it’s a very good neighborhood with great neighbors, you can’t do much better than this.”  He liked that the neighborhood was nice, peaceful, and clean.  He often said it was one of the best areas he had lived in.

Terry was preceded in death by his brother, David Brookins.

On March 29, 2008, Terry married the former Tammy Shepard who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Terry (Michelle) Brookins, Jr., of Freeport, FL, and daughter, Aimee Brookins Bautista of Sherman, TX; step-children, John (Stephanie) Rosemier of Hornell, NY, Daniel (Tabitha) Rosemier of Oak Harbor, WA on Whidbey Island, and Cassie (Ben) Feenaughty of Hornell; brother, Larry (Shawne) Brookins of Olean; half-sister, Cyndi West of Bradford, PA; mother in-law Clara Shepard of Hornell, NY; sisters in-law, Donna Brookins of Clifton Springs, NY, Deborah (Tom) Hunt of Arkport, NY, Cheryl Shepard of Hornell, NY, and Patricia (Patrick) Dennis of Cape Coral, FL; and brother in-law Stephen (Merry) Shepard of Oak Harbor, WA on Whidbey Island, WA.  Terry was lovingly known as “Beba” to his three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three great-granddaughters (who were his pride and joy).  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and special friends/neighbors Don Kelley, Mary Liz Schwartz, and Frank Poorman.

The family of Terry E. Brookins SR will receive friends on Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4:00 PM with Father Stan Kacprzak officiating.

Terry’s family requests that any memorial contributions be made in his name, on behalf of Riley Bentley, to the NTSAD Organization, donations may be made online at NTSAD.org or by mail to NTSAD, 2001 Beacon St., Suite 204, Boston, MA 02135.

In recognition to Terry’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com