Terry L Valdez, 77, of Canvas, West Virginia, passed away after a short illness on December 10, 2025 in Charleston.

Terry was a proud veteran, having served the US Army in the military police, stateside, as well as in Vietnam.

Prior to retiring and moving to West Virginia, Terry lived most of his life in Orange County, California, where he became a master builder of custom homes, specializing in straw bale houses. He was an avid surfer who later became a fan of stand-up paddling. He also was involved in youth baseball for many years, with his dad, keeping in touch with several of the kids that he had coached. He was active in AA, having recently celebrated 37 years of recovery.

He is survived by his wife, Kaye Wilkerson-Valdez of Canvas, son Shane Valdez and grandson Ryan Valdez of San Clemente, CA, daughter Wendy Lynch and grandson Zac, both in North Carolina.

His family would like to acknowledge the Thursday veterans group in Summersville and the Veterans Museum that welcomed him as a brother. Additionally, thanks to the Hubbard Hospice House for the care he and his family received.

Memorial services with military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday January 6, 2026, at the Waters Funeral Chapel in Summersville. Friends may call at the funeral chapel one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

A memorial in Orange County, CA, will be held at a later date.