Terry Lee Welch, Sr.

Terry Lee Welch, Sr., age 68, of Long Beach, Mississippi, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and friends, as he wished, and entered into the presence of our Savior on April 6, 2024 after a long, hard-fought battle with kidney disease.
 
 Terry was born on November 16, 1955 in Gulfport. After graduating from Harrison Central High School in 1973, Terry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served our country as a secret files clerk and radioman. Terry later became an entrepreneur extraordinaire, managing many different profitable businesses along the Coast, most of which involved his third great love—food. He wasn’t just a foodie for the sake of eating; he loved the gathering of people that delicious food brought.
 
 In 1985, Terry married the love of his life, Janet, and went on to raise a beautiful family with four children: Terry Jr., Tara, Levi, and Jacob. He was a devoted family man who provided for his family in every sense of the word—with laughter, tough lessons, and his “secret ingredient”, love.
 
 Over the years, Terry has enjoyed hobbies including motorcycle riding, fishing, barbecuing, and telling stories (though he made it known he did not enjoy board games of any kind). Above all else, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan whether that was at home, in the family pool, a ball field, a court, or a backyard kickball game. They were his pride and joy. Chances are, if you’ve been to Ward’s in Long Beach on a Saturday morning, you’ve probably seen Terry gathered there with his group of friends for some coffee and breakfast. He was both a man of routine and adventure.
 
 Terry’s faith was an integral part of his life. He’s responsible for leading countless people, including his entire spousal family, to salvation through Jesus Christ (his first love). Not only did he talk-the-talk, Terry walked-the-walk. His love for people was unmatched. If you showed up at his door, you were wholeheartedly welcomed and loved —and usually fed. His impact on everyone around him will be felt for generations.
 
 Terry is preceded in death by his father, Acey Theo Welch, Sr.; mother, Syble Cumberland Welch; brothers, Theo “Butch” Jr., Glenn, and Jimmy.
 
 He is survived and will be greatly missed by his faithful wife of 39 years, Janet Castanedo Welch, their children, Terry Lee (Meghan) Welch, Jr., and children Jackson, Samantha, and Hannah; Tara Nicole (Daniel) Farris, and children, Tom, Charlie, and Benton; Levi Todd (Rachelle) Welch, and children, Ethan, Landon, and Levia; and Jacob Ryan Welch and children, Elijah, Easton, and Everest; siblings Ricky and Belinda Welch; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends who were all very special to him.
 
 At Terry’s request, the family will hold a Celebration of Life Fish Fry on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at 8083 Red Creek Rd., Long Beach, MS 39560. Please RSVP via the Facebook event, “Celebration of Life honoring Terry Welch.” Details will be posted on the event page.
 
 Visitation will be held at Cedar Lake Church on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11555 Cedar Lake Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532.
 Family 9:00 AM
 Friends 9:30 - 11:00 AM
 Service 11:00 - 12:00 PM
 
Burial will follow immediately after (for family only) at Biloxi National Cemetery at 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, MS 39531. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Welch family.