Obituary – Terrance R. "Terry" Avent
Sunday, August 10, 2025

Terrance R. "Terry" Avent, age 75 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at United Hospital in St. Paul on Friday morning, August 8, 2025.
Terrance Robert, the son of Robert and Lela May Avent, was born on February 5, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee. Terry was raised in the Hickory Valley, Tennessee area where he attended high school. He was later united in marriage to Sharon Hoffman on September 18, 1982, in Hastings, where he cherished life and the countless friendships he made. Terry was a true outdoorsman, professional blacksmith, and horse trainer. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, and always loved to see each of them flourish in their lives. His love for horses granted him the ability to shoe many world champions in the Walking Horse industry. Regardless of everything in life, Terry was truly someone who enjoyed the simple things in life and was very loyal, but you never had to guess where you stood with him. Terry's humor, generosity, and dedication to his family, friends, and community will never be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia; and recently by his son, Robert Clayton "Clay" Avent on June 28, 2025.
Terry is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; son, Casey (Melinda) Avent; daughter-in-law, Meredith Avent; grandchildren, Baine Avent, Anna Avent, Ashlyn Avent Vincion (Ryan), Allie Avent, Tilden Jackson and Ellie Jackson; and by other relatives and dear friends.
A Celebration of Terry's Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, August 12, 2025, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings. Private family interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.
In lieu of flowers, Terry's family requests memorial be made to Hastings YMCA, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or to an organization meaningful to you in his memory.
Terry's family would like to extend a special thank you to the Regina and United Hospital ICU teams for their tender and loving care provided to Terry and his family in his final days.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
More Stories |
-
The United Walking Horse Fall Finale, scheduled for November 19-21, 2026, in Tunica, Mississippi, the combined effort of the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST), Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA), Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) and Walking Horse Trainers’ Association (WHTA). Three of the organizations, FAST, TWHBEA and WHTA each selected a judge to join the panel.
Read More
-
The 2026 Triple Crown winners have been announced following the completion of this year’s Triple Crown shows.The following horses earned Triple Crown honors after winning all three Triple Crown shows.
Read More
-
The TWHBEA Election Committee has met and certified the results of this year’s election. The ballots were counted by Winnett Associates PLLC. 14 States/Regions elected directors to full three-year terms.
Read More
-
Read More
-
LEWISBURG, Tenn. — The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) has announced the 2026 inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame and Master Breeder programs. Four exceptional horses and three influential breeders will be recognized during the annual TWHBEA Awards Banquet on Friday, December 4, 2026, at the TWHBEA Auditorium in Lewisburg, Tennessee.
Read More
-
As the weather turns cooler and the season wraps up, it's the perfect moment to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments, cherished memories, and recognition we've enjoyed throughout 2026. Now, with that same enthusiasm, we're already looking ahead and dreaming up exciting times for 2027.
Read More
-
The United Walking Horse Fall Finale will once again be held in Tunica, Mississippi. The dates for the event are November 19-21, 2026. Judges for the show will be Scott Beaty, Herbert Derickson and Brent Grider.
Read More
-
As part of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry's ongoing commitment to horse welfare, fair competition, and transparent medication guidelines, medication testing will be conducted at selected horse shows this season as part of a pilot research program.
Read More
-
Marlene Joyce Coult, age 91, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, passed from this life on Thursday, October 8, 2026. She was born on June 15, 1935, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to the late Floyd Ray Jackson and Nadine Florence Cook Jackson. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Ernest Coult, in 2014.
Read More
-
David Jerry Woodlee, born December 5, 1944, passed peacefully from this earthly life on October 6, 2026, at the age of 81. He died quietly at home in his sleep.
Read More
|