Terry Locke

Emmett “Terry” Locke, 78, of Clanton, Alabama, passed away August 5, 2026, at his home where he was being lovingly cared for during his final illness.

He was born November 6, 1947, in Alabama, son of the late William G. Locke and the late Sadie Gibbs Locke.

Terry joined the US Army at the age of 19 and was part of the 167th Signal Company, proudly serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded several medals. He remained a proud patriot his entire life.

Following the service to his country, he entered the workforce. During his working years he wore many hats, including city bus driver, cabinet maker and maintenance worker, ending his career as a truck driver.

During his life he held a variety of interests, including motorcycles, woodworking, guns and horses.

His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy and his wife of 36 years, Kay, was the love of his life.

Above the love for his family was the love he had for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was bold in his witness, often using unique and creative ways to share his faith. He loved his church family and pastor, Bro Kent Dodson, and was a faithful member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

Terry would be the first to tell you that he made many mistakes in his life and there were many things he would have done differently if he could have done them over. But God has a way of not leaving us where He finds us. He takes us where we are, gives us a new heart and makes us a new creation. This is what God did for Terry, through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Terry wasn’t perfect but he was most-assuredly a new creation and he finished well.

Surviving are his Wife, Kay S Locke; Daughters, Tina (Phillip) Deason, Trisha Locke; Son, Chris (Carolyn) Locke; Step-Sons, Bryan (Kim) Wilkins, Carey Wilkins, Drew Wilkins; Granddaughters, Kala (Jason) Straub, Kelsey (Josh) Fincher, Haley (Grady) Ellison, Holly (Kameron) Ford, Kayleigh Wilkins; Grandsons, John (Lindsey) Deason, Corey Balthaser, Caleb Wilkins, Ryder Wilkins; 18 Great-Grandchildren; Brother, Wayne (Kristie) Locke as well as a host of other family.

He was preceded in death by his Father, William Grady Locke; Mother, Sadie Mae Gibbs Locke and his stillborn twin.

Friends will be received Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

Services will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 11:00 am. at Liberty Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Kent Dodson officiating.

Interment will follow in Liberty Hill Baptist Cemetery, Clanton, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Hill Baptist Church Building Fund.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.

The family would also like to say a special thank you to Michelle Byrd and Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for the gentle and loving care given to Terry and his family in his final days.