If we could ask Terry Mitchell Gressett what an obituary is, it’s likely that he would say that instead of it being a form to fill out, it would be a story to tell.

When Terry took his last breath 3 days ago, Heaven got a bit rowdier and the lights got a lot brighter from the celebration among himself, mom, dad, Wayne (brother) and Chris (son). The hugging, whooping and hollering brought smiles to even the angels surrounding them.

Terry leaves behind a legacy his family will carry forward. Teaching his children to tell the truth, to love others with all their heart, to keep their word, to help someone in need and to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and soul. His family was the most important thing in his life and he never failed to show it. But, we had to remember, if we didn’t want the truth from him, no matter what, don’t ask him. The man had no filter. He had a joke with Taylor, his granddaughter, that each time we had a family gathering and took pictures, he would tell her to either save that picture of me for my funeral or don’t you dare show that picture at my funeral. He hated having his picture taken. He also gave Taylor her love of fast cars and dancing.

Being the social creature that he was, Terry enjoyed meeting some of his motorcycle friends when he would sometimes show up at the local Harley shop on his 2023 Road King Special Harley Davidson every Saturday for watching a football game and partaking in some "brought from home" food and beverages, and shop talk, which was making fun of each other. Where they all know he could sure give the jokes but was quick to get his “chaps” in a wad when it was flipped back to him!  A while back, Terry mentioned to the gang that they need to let up on all the sweet treats such as doughnuts they had been bringing and to bring healthier options instead. They never did!  Another social gathering involved going to the gym. Some of the time was spent working out but a lot of the time was visiting with his friends over coffee.

We can’t fail to mention his muscle car, the 2005 Pontiac GTO. He and his son, Chris, spent many hours talking about, working on and just shooting the bull about which car can outrace the other and who knew more than the other about the subject at hand.

Sturgis, South Dakota could write it down that Terry and his motorcycle buddies would be busting up in that town with their Harley’s every August for their annual motorcycle rally. He would talk about that trip for weeks before and after the trip. It was one of the things he looked forward to every year.

He loved our family get togethers, birthdays and holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. We always had a large meal together and each time he would ask “what can I bring” knowing good and well that he wasn't cooking & would be bringing the same thing every time, the turkey or ham!

Maintaining his home and yard was something Terry prided himself in. The last thing he did in this life involved pine straw on his roof and a ladder.

Terry graduated from Meridian High School and went to Meridian Community College. He served his country in the Army Reserves.

Terry is survived by his daughter, Terra Janiece Alexander; granddaughter, Taylor Janiece Stewart; and grandson, John Kirkum Stewart, IV. He is preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Rhodes Gressett; father, Clarence Gibbon Gressett; brother, Gerald Wayne Gressett; and son, Christopher Todd Gressett.

Services will be at Chancellor Funeral Home, 7225 Siwell Road, Byram, MS, October 21, 2026. Visitation 9:00 am -10:00 am. Memorial service 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Graveside service 1:00 pm at Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery, Meridian, MS.

Come unto me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28