Terence Michael Zang

Dr. Terence (Terry) Michael Zang, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to many left this world far too soon on April 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 12, 1963, in Des Moines, Iowa, Terry was the eldest of six children of the late Terrence Raymond Zang and Barbara Kay Euard Zang. He attended Visitation Catholic School in Kewanee, Illinois, through sixth grade. Terry's family then relocated to Sylvania, Ohio, where they lived for two years before moving to Arlington, Texas, in 1977. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1981, excelling both academically and athletically. Terry was a respected leader on the field, on the court, and in the classroom. Following in his father's footsteps, he went on to earn a full football scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, graduating with honors in 1985. Four years later, Terry received his DDS from Baylor Dental School in Dallas, Texas, where he graduated at the top of his class and earned numerous accolades. He excelled in all areas of his life, consistently striving for excellence in his professional and academic pursuits, as well as in every sport he played.

Terry met the love of his life, Susan Connell Zang, during his senior year of high school. They maintained a long-distance relationship throughout college and were married on May 21, 1985, in Arlington, Texas. This May, they would have celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.

In 1988, while Terry was in his third year of dental school, they welcomed their first child, Austin Taylor. Six years later, in 1994, their family was complete with the birth of their daughter, Ashley Nicole. He adored his children, treasuring the years he spent coaching their teams in their youth and later taking great pride in cheering them on from the stands. Terry loved his family deeply, and nothing brought him greater joy than being surrounded by those he cherished most.

Terry practiced dentistry for more than 35 years alongside Dr. Arthur Mund at Fort Worth Dental. He retired in 2025 and will be deeply missed by his colleagues and patients alike. Known for his gentle and compassionate care, Terry treated every patient with kindness and professionalism, and his dedication to excellence never went unnoticed.

Terry and Susan opened their home to countless gatherings with family and friends, often centered around their pool. He enjoyed working in the yard and spending time outdoors, with golf being his favorite pastime. He loved playing with friends and socializing at the golf club afterward. Later in life, he took up the guitar, dedicating himself to lessons and spending hours practicing. Whatever Terry pursued, he gave his full effort. In the past two years, he read the entire Bible not once, but twice, and kept a daily journal reflecting on his life, his faith, and his courageous battle-something his family will treasure always.

Terry is survived in death by his wife Susan Zang, his two children Austin Zang and his wife, Dusti; Ashley Dale and her husband, Carson; he was adored by his three grandchildren; Isabelle and Zeke Zang; Lowen Dale, and baby Dale on the way. Terry is survived by his five siblings, Tim Zang; Tami DeClercq and her husband, Dave; Todd Zang and his wife, Georgie; Tara Gray and her husband, Mike; Tracy Zang and sisters in-law's Martha Thomas and her husband, Mark; and Deanna Zang and her husband, Chuck.

Terry was loved and looked up to by so many nieces and nephews, Todd Murray and his wife, Addie; Lauren Williams and her husband, Kevin; Tanner Zang and his wife, Kennedy; Michael Gray and his wife, Gabi; Andie Felix and her husband, Nicholas; Barbie Viken and her husband, Payne; Megan Wall and her husband, Hunter; Brian DeClercq; Mollykate Gray and her fiancé, Jack McCullough; Brook McTigue and her husband; Tom; and his great nieces and nephews; Caden Richardson, Taylor Davis; Weston and Henry Williams, Grayson and Merritt Zang, Copeland and Wyatt Gray, George Felix, Elizabeth Murray, Major Viken, Owen Wall and soon to arrive Margot Zang.

He also leaves behind and will be missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins; Patricia Harper; Zoe Price; Jack Regan; Mary (Lyle) Ince; Rita (Greg) Hawkins; John (Elissa) Euard; cousins, Cathy (Pat) Carroll; John (Anna) Regan; Mary Pat (Wayne) Osoba; Dan (Kelly) Regan; Mike Regan; Mark (Amy) Regan; Mandy (Brad) Bolander; Corley (Luis) Price; Tony (Addie) Ince; Brian (Jennifer) Ince; Becky (Brian) Hutton; Gretchen (Rueben) Arzola; Lisa (Eric) Miner; Luke (Amy) Hawkins; Sandi (Jeff) Olson; Michelle (Johnny) Brinker; Kristi (Rob) Eberhardt; Heidie (Charlie) Roy and Justin (Jenny) Harper and all of their children.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Terrence Raymond Zang and Barbara Kay Zang; and his grandparents Raymond and Catherine Zang, Frances and Gladys Euard; his loving in-laws, Don and Alice Connell, uncles, JD Harper; and Brent Price and aunts, Patty Zang; Loretta Regan; and Sharon Downey; his cousins; Ben Price and Randy Swearingen.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Terry’s memory may make a memorial donation to the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. UT Southwestern

Mailed donations:

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

In Memory of Terry Zang

P.O. Box 910888

Dallas, TX 75391-0888