Terry Joe Vaughan crossed the checkered flag at the Pearly Gates on Thursday August 18, 2022. He had been in a brief fist fight with cancer, for the first time he just couldn't win. Born July 23, 1962, to William & Bonnie Vaughan. He was a 30-year resident of Desoto County Fl.

In his early years he was an Owner/Operator of a small trucking fleet before beginning his career in the heavy equipment and steel industry as a crane operator and later as a Superintendent.

Terry began his love of racing on dirt tracks with an old Malibu & a Camaro. He learned all the ins and outs of car building and racing through a great network of friends and mentors. Eventually moving on to asphalt tracks in his favorite car, Open Wheel Modified. He was a speed junkie on the track and a great sportsman. Rubbing is racing! Get in, shut up and hold on! He joked that he was "a legend in my own mind". He was even caught a few times singing his favorite songs, Mac Davis song 'It's Hard to Be Humble' or Jim Croce song 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown'. His gift and favorite amusement were that he could sell, barter or trade anything to anyone.

He was a great man that loved his family, especially his daughter Caroline and new granddaughter who were his greatest joys. He was a great friend to many, fiercely loyal friend to a few, and enemy to some that just didn't know any better. He was straight forward with his words, kind to those that needed it, and always quick with witty repartee.

He is survived by his daughter Caroline Vaughan (Zac Karpinski) and granddaughter Harlow; his wife Sheila and stepdaughters; his sister Debbie Vaughan-Drennan (Rick) and brother Larry Vaughan (Debbie), sister-in-law Pamela D. Vaughan; many nieces, nephews, and assorted family. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Bill and Bonnie Vaughan, sister Jackie Adcock and brother Gary Vaughan. He was a man among men that will be greatly missed by his family, friends, acquaintances and his loyal dog Diesel.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 9, 2022 at 6:00PM in the Chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Arcadia.

There will be a family and friends gathering at Terry's house after the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Arcadia are in charge of the arrangements.