June 22, 1937 - August 31, 2024
Palmetto, Florida - Our beloved Terry went home to Jesus after an extended illness while in hospice care at the VA Hospital in St. Petersburg Florida. He was born on June 22, 1937, in Old Town Maine to Laurel (Houlton Maine) and Mildred (Bangor Maine) Bamford. Terry was put into foster care and went to many homes across Maine. He worked on farms morning and night while going to school during the day. He definitely came up the hard way. It wasn't until Arthur and Prudence Robbins took him in that he was able to feel love for the first time. They had a son, Gary (Robbins) that he developed a lifelong friendship and considered him his brother to this very day. Terry was a graduate of Sumner High School in Sullivan Maine. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army where he had a 20-year decorated military career, obtaining the rank of First Sergeant, his most valued accomplishment. While serving his 20 years of active duty, Terry deployed on four tours in the far east. Two in Korea, one in Vietnam and one in Okinawa. While in Vietnam, he served as the operations Sergeant/1st Sergeant, for Co B, 216th MP Company, 18th MP Brigade. He retired after 20 years of service while stationed at Ft. Hamilton in New York, serving as company First Sergeant for the 563rd MP Company. Terry wasn't done there, he went back to active duty at the age of 53, escorting our fallen heroes home from the middle east as their official military escort. Terry also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother George in the countryside of DownEast Maine. He enjoyed horse racing and handicapping and was considered one of the best! He enjoyed spending time at the off-track facility in Sarasota, where he will be dearly missed by the numerous friends he made while going there. He also enjoyed metal detecting and coin collecting.
Terry was preceded in death by his birth parents, brothers George and Mike, and nephew George Jr. (Punky).
Terry is survived by his loving wife Sharon, the love of his life, who he cherished the last 40 plus years with. His brother, Gary (Glenna) Robbins, his two sons, Terrence "David"(Jane) Bamford, Kevin (Teri) Bamford; and daughter, Amanda Whittier of Anna Maria Island.
Terry is also survived by other sons, Kevin G, Christian and Richard.
Grandsons, Paul (Jenny) Bamford, Benjamin (Jessica) Bamford, Daniel (Samatha) Bamford, Kenny (Chey) Bamford.
Great-grandchildren, Bradley, Marely, Tiago, Noah, Kevin, Mia and Eva. Also, Jacob, Jeffery, Joshua, Justin and Katee.
Nieces, Kathy (Kippen), Lisa (Abplanalp) and nephews, Emery and Mike. Mike Jr and family. His very close friend June (Albuquerque, NM).
That is quite a lineage for a man who came from nothing, started with nothing and ended up the definition of an American Hero, loved by all that knew him.
Rest in Peace and we will honor and cherish your memory.
