Judge Jerry O. Terry, Sr.

Judge Jerry Owen Terry, Sr

Sunrise: April 16, 1934 Sunset: June 6, 2025

With deep love and reverence, we announce the passing of Jerry O. Terry, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and respected judge.

Jerry O. Terry was born in Clear Branch, Mississippi on April 16, 1934 to Joe Walter Terry and Edith Neal Terry. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2025.

Jerry O. Terry was raised in Brandon, Mississippi where his parents were transferred with the school district. While in school he was active in sports and in the marching band. After graduating high school, he went to Hinds Jr. College on a band scholarship. After graduating from Hinds, Jerry moved on to Mississippi College on another band scholarship. During his college career he participated in many on-campus activities and traveled extensively with the band around the country.

After college, Jerry made the decision to join the military enlisting in The United States Army. While in basic training, it was discovered that he was a musician, and it was not long before he was assigned the duty of playing in the 328th United States Army Band. While serving two years in the Army Band at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY, he had the honor of playing for the United States President, Dwight Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II of England on her first visit to the United States.

After his service, he returned to Mississippi where he made a life-changing decision to go to law school. Jerry left for Ole Miss Law School with very few dollars in his pocket. While in law school he worked for Retail Credit in Oxford, MS. The company manager was gracious enough to allow him to sleep in the back of the office during the week thus saving him rent.

After law school, Jerry went to work for State Farm Insurance on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where he grew to love the area and never left. After his time as a claims adjuster with State Farm, he joined a law firm in Pascagoula where he eventually became a partner. In 1969, Jerry transplanted to Gulfport where he met P.D. Greaves, a prominent Gulfport attorney who allowed Jerry to work in his office and share his secretary. Greaves eventually started sharing cases with Jerry and they soon became partners. Shortly thereafter he married the former Annette Phillips and they made their home in Biloxi.

In 1987, Jerry was honored with a Governor’s appointment to the Mississippi Circuit Court Second Judicial District, serving as Circuit Judge for Harrison, Hancock, and Stone Counties. Judge Terry presided over many notable cases and had a reputation of fairness with a firm hand. He remained on the bench for 22 years, retiring in 2009 as Senior Circuit Judge after being elected and re-elected many times.

During his active years, Judge Terry enjoyed boating with family as well as golf with friends and family. He also enjoyed woodworking where he created and built many pieces of furniture and other items which were given to and cherished by his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling with Annette and his brother Joe and cousins around the South. He, along with Annette, was a member of First Baptist Church of Biloxi.

After retirement from public service at the age of 75, Judge Terry enjoyed the peace of doing little. He then rediscovered his love of art and took up oil painting where he created many oil paintings that were found all over their home and given to family and friends whenever someone asked for one.

Jerry and Annette were married in 1969 and enjoyed a wonderful life together for 56 years.

Judge Terry was predeceased by parents, Joe Walter Terry and Edith Neal Terry, his brother Joe Walter Terry, Jr. and one daughter, Terri Michelle Miles.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Annette Phillips Terry; his daughter, Kathryn Lynne Terry of Biloxi; sons, Jerry O. Terry, Jr (Melissa) of Laurel, Timothy Wayne Miles (Gail) of Gautier, and Thomas Neal Terry (Regina) of Brandon. Judge Terry also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Melissa, Neal, T.J., Owen, Bethany, Emily, Conner and Sara Kathryn; and 12 great-grandchildren: Tanner, Riley, Hollis, Ellie Kate, James, Emery, Collier, Ren, Olivia, Spencer Grace, Baylee, and Alyssa.

We mourn his passing but rejoice with the memory of being so blessed by his presence for 91 years.

Serving as pallbearers are grandsons and great grandsons: Neal Terry, Owen Terry, Johnny Rodolfich, T. J. Miles, Jeffery Register, Conner Bryant, John Marshall Diffey, Tanner Boney and Riley Beemon.

Visitation will be at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 12:00pm until the funeral service at 1:30pm. Entombment will be at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi following services.

Memories may be shared with the family by leaving them on his obituary page at www.riemannfamily.com