Obituary of Terry D. Wilkins

Cohocton – Terry D. Wilkins, 81 years of age, passed away early Saturday morning, September 7, 2024 at the Vincent House in Wayland. Terry was born January 24, 1943 in Hornell the son of Max and Donna (Lander) Wilkins. He grew up in Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School. Terry’s first love in life was farming. His life as a young boy was spent on his grandfather’s farm in Cohocton. He later purchased it and has spent the rest of his life there. He especially liked his cows, all of which were named and he was very knowledgeable about them. . He loved all the animals on the farm that came along as well. When he opened the door in the morning they would just show up. Terry’s love for farming was evident as the years progressed and he couldn’t farm the way he wanted, a part of him let go as well. Terry and Linda Plowe were married August 1st, 2009 however they were a loving couple many many years before that. They have been together over 30 years living and loving their way through life. He had a kind and caring way about him and he always was willing to help anybody at any time. Terry also enjoyed flea markets, yard sales, tractor shows and tractor pulls, county fairs, casinos and who can forget his favorite song “Lucille,” a song by Kenny Rogers and of course sung by Terry Wilkins. While not farming Terry’s second career was with Pirrung Auctioneers. He was an integral ingredient in the making of successful auctions during his nearly 40 years as an Associate of Pirrung Auctioneers. Terry served Pirrung clients as a very capable appraiser, sales manager and clerk be it cattle, machinery, real estate, antiques or tools. His experience, knowledge and wisdom were spread over the years to various recipients. During his tenure with Pirrung he maintained a New York Real Estate License through Thomas P. Wamp. Terry Wilkins and Jim Pirrung covered thousands of miles together conducting auctions from western Ohio, throughout New Jersey and Rhode Island and North Carolina. Terry often mentioned that “we never had a bad meal on the road!” In the spring of 1977 he hosted what would become the first of 30 consignment farm auctions including two dairy herds at his farm along State Route 371 between Cohocton and North Cohocton. These local historical events are still remembered by many. Terry was pre-deceased by his parents, Max and Donna Wilkins. He is survived by his loving wife Linda Wilkins of Cohocton; his children, Elizabeth Wilkins of AK, John (Tracey) Wilkins of CT and Douglas (Sue) Wilkins of Cohocton; his grandchildren, Hannah (Conrad) Dolholf and Miles Wilkins; his step children, Sharyl (James) Pirrung of Wayland and Karen (Basil) Williams of Syracuse; his step grandchildren, Lindsay (Chris) Miles and Allyson (Michael) Kuhn; and his great grandchildren, Carter and Carlea Kuhn. Terry’s family and friends are invited to call Sunday September 15th, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 pm. Terry's funeral service will be Monday morning September 16th, 2024 at 10am at the funeral home. Interment will take place immediately following at Clearview Cemetery in North Cohocton. Contributions in memory of Terry D. Wilkins may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572 or to the Hatch Hose Fire Company, 30 University Ave., Atlanta, NY 14808.