W.T. White assistant principal passes away

Terry Durr served at W.T. White for 10 years. (Courtesy photo)

Terry Durr was a big guy, standing at least 6 feet tall. But the soft-spoken W.T. White assistant principal worked quietly behind the scenes, mentoring ninth graders as they transition to high school.

“Some of the students don’t even know how much he helped them,” counselor Jeri Bechly says. He often dipped into his own pockets to help someone pay for a cap and gown or other school necessities.

Durr passed away in his sleep early Friday morning after having been ill for several months. He had worked with W.T. White for about 10 years, and there’s no doubt that he had a big impact on the students.

Take Abraham Alvardo for example. I recently interviewed the W.T. White senior for our cover story about stand-out students (which will hit stands and doorknobs this May). Alvardo suffers from Tourrette’s Syndrome and credited Durr as one of the people who helped him manage and overcome his condition in order to succeed in school. As a freshman, Alvardo needed frequent guidance and supervision, and Durr was there for him.

“Mr. Durr helped me out a lot,” Alvardo says. “I don’t know what I would have done without him.”

A scholarship will be set up in Durr’s memory, and the W.T. White staff has invited students, parents and community members to mail donations to Laura Holaday, W. T. White High School, 4505 Ridgeside Drive, Dallas, Texas 75244. The funeral or memorial service has not yet bet scheduled.

Posted by: Emily Toman on April 5th, 2011 in All Blog Posts, DISD, Education
(12) Comments

| More

No related posts.

Madeline Maggard

I worked with Terry for several years at W.T. White. He provided firm guidance when needed but also know how to show a softer nurturing side. My prayers go out to his family for their loss and to his “family” at W.T. White for their loss too. His presence, professionalism and guidance will be greatly missed.
Michael Watkins

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Durr the entire 10 years he was at W.T. White. He was one of my very best friends and one of the most caring, fair, compassionate persons I have ever met. He not only cared for the students but the staff also. He gave us gifts for everything, sent us flowers when we were out, and always called to make sure we were alright. He was also witty, friendly and so fun to be around all the time. I will truly miss my contact with Terry. This is a tremendous loss for W.T. White and the entire DISD.
Cindy VanWinkle

Terry will be greatly missed. He was loved and respected by his co-workers and students alike. Terry was a kind, giving, gentle person who loved life. He made sure that every student felt good about themselves. He was always able to see humor in a situation, and you just felt good talking to him. Terry was a rare gift to this world. He was a man with many layers, that shielded his big, big heart. I miss you Terry, Godspeed.
Charlotte Hickey

Mr. Durr was also a great friend to the parents at WTW. He truly cared about our children, and was always an advocate we could rely on to get matters handled professionally and quickly, while always looking out for the student’s best interest. There never was a time that I was in the school, that he didn’t have a smile on his face, and a quick “hello” for me, usually calling me by my name. Mr. Durr is an jewel that will be sorely missed at WTW.
sharon hawkins

One of the first staff members to welcome me to WTW was MR.Durr, from that moment on I was a longhorn. Mr.Durr was very caring not only about you being comfortable at school but also in your personal life. I was new and my mother become very ill,MR.Durr sent flowers call checked on me and left messages for me. He was very caring when I left WTW every time my mom would become ill he find out an call to see if their was anything that he could do for me. That is caring I was gone and he still cared about me and my family. Thank-You so much for being that pillar that I could lean on and you never ask for anything in return not even a thank-you.
http://paynetom@sbcglobal.net Thomas Payne

As a parent of two WTW graduates, I had multiple opportunities to interact with Mr. Durr. He truly was a wonderful person. I could tell how much he enjoyed working and interacting with the students.

My favorite story is when Mr. Durr allowed a cheerleader parent to wear his sport coat to get into a football game against Samuel. DSID was enforcing a new dress code policy of not allowing girls or ladies into the game if a “bare shoulder” could be seen. It was so funny.

Seeing him four years later, we still chuckled about the whole incident.

He truly had a big heart! And our community will miss him.
Stacey Dawson

I started at WTW in 2000-2003, I met Mr. Durr and some people just say nice things, but when it comes to this man, that GOD created, all of it is true…..you will be missed.
Victor Soto

This is my first year at W.T. White High School and only able to share Mr. Durr’s advice, friendship and good humor for a short few months. In that time I learn from him, a great deal about discipline, to solve problems and above all caring. I will truly miss him, because he was a pillar at W.T. White. To his family, my deepest condolences and I’m sure that our heavens are enriched by him been among the Kingdom of our Lord. Rest in eternal peace my friend.
Krystal King Moreno

Mr.Durr is going to be missed by so many I wonder if he really knew how many lives he really touched ? He was a man that come very few he really cared about his students and made sure that they all would succeed in life not just in school.He always was there for you when you needed a few word of encouragement I remember the day I graduated from White and went to recieve my diploma from him he said I am very proud of you and that has stuck with me for a long time because so many people had gave up on me.He was called home to do God’s work now and there is truely a special angel in the sky you will be missed Mr.Durr
Kathy Bateman

I have had children at WTW the whole time Mr.Durr has been there. He was always helping students get through high school life, making their day a little brighter, and trying to keep them on the right path. When I visited him in January, he reinforced to me, he was there because he loved the students. I will miss his greetings and great smile.
My prayers are with his family, he will be missed by so many.
Cindy Simmons

I will always remember Mr. Durr the kindness and encouragement he gave. His love for students was apparent in all he said and did. He rejoiced over small improvements and large successes in the lives he touched. He
showed respect to students,
teachers and parents. His smile is etched in
my memory for always but personally for his influence in our lives. Thank you Mr. Durr. Your actions spoke for you! You Lived it!
Kim Runyon

My brother Dan introduced me to Terry Durr when I moved to Dallas Texas almost four years ago. I remember spending Christmas with him in 2009. Terry was kind and generous as a friend. I feel honored and blessed to have met such a wonderful man. He truly was outstanding and will always be remembered in my heart.

Thank you Terry