SSG Terrence Mack, United States Army, Ret.

Terrence "Terre" Allen Mack was born March 9, 1964 in Los Angeles, and passed away May 1, 2012 in Nolanville, Texas at the age of 48.

Terrence proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1983 after graduating from Sierra High School.  His duty stations included Germany, Fort Steward, Georgia and Fort Hood, Texas.

Terrence married the love of his life, Isabel Garcia, on October 4, 2005 in Killeen, Texas,where they lived until his passing.

In February 2011 Terrence retired from the Army, having served for 24 years as a Cavalry Scout and a Human Resources Specialist.

After retirement, he took up his passionate hobby in cycling.  He enjoyed going on rides with fellow cyclists, friends and brothers.

On May 1, at 6:50 p.m.,  Terrence was cycling with a group of friends on the access road of Highway 190 in Nolanville when he was struck by a F-150 pickup truck, suffering serious injuries.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A funeral service was held for Terrence on May 7 at the St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the church.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas, where the procession was greeted by fifty American flags blowing in the Texas wind.

Also present at the cemetery were dozens of cyclists clad in their brightly colored cycling jerseys.  A group of six cyclists slowly pedaled around the cemetery, with a riderless white bicycle.  When the hearse entered the cemetery, that group took a position in front of the hearse as it made its way to the committal shelter.

At the committal shelter, the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the shelter by the Army Honor Guard.  The Patriot Guard Riders then formed a line of American flags around the shelter during the service and the military honors.

The Catholic Priest performed the Rite of Committal and led the gathering in The Lord's Prayer.  The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors. The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.  The Honor Guard folded the flag draping the casket into the traditional triangle and passed it to an Army Staff Sergeant.  He presented the flag to Isabel on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Terrence's honorable and faithful service.

Terrence's cycling jersey was placed into the casket, and SSG Terrance Mack was laid to rest on the sloping hill side, overlooking the Texas Hill Country, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his dear wife, one daughter, his father, his siblings and a host of close friends.

With thanks to Hewitt-Arney Funeral Home for biographical information and photo, and to Amanda Carter for additional photo.