Terry L. McLeod, age 86 of Lizella, GA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at Pinewood Villas in Hawkinsville, GA. He was born on July 2nd 1937, the son of late Mr. Lawrence Carroll McLeod Sr. and late Mrs. Lettie Alberta Weltzbarker McLeod.
He was preceded in death by: His Mother; Lettie Alberta Weltzbarker McLeod. His Father; Lawrence Carroll McLeod Sr. His step-mother; Lucille Gillis McLeod. His Loving Wife of 61 years; Myrtle Knight McLeod. Two Sons; Clifford McLeod, and Kirby McLeod. One Brother; Lawrence Carroll McLeod, Jr. One Sister; Opal Denton.
Left to cherish his memory are one son; Terry Dale (Robin) McLeod of Hawkinsville, GA. One Brother; Larry (Lisa) McLeod of Savannah, GA. Two Granddaughters; Brittani (Justin) Grinstead of Hawkinsville, GA, and Mellisa (Bige) Veal of Cordele, GA. Three Great-Grandchildren; Harper Grinstead, Henry Grinstead, and Allie Lyn Veal.
Pallbearers will be Justin Grinstead, Bige Veal, Tim Vaughn, Greg Vaughn, Jamie Vaughn, and Zachary Vaughn. Honary Pallbearers are the Broxton High School Class of 1956 and Keebler Baking Company Employees.Terry was a 1956 graduate of Broxton High School. He and Myrtle were married on August 18, 1956. After working on his father-in-law’s farm, he realized that farm life was not for him. Myrtle was relieved because she always dreamed of moving off the farm. Terry was drafted in 1958 and served honorably in the United States Army for two years. He enjoyed sharing stories of his Army days working in the mail delivery, cafeteria lessons, and about buying Myrtle a sewing machine to sew his patches on his uniform. Terry was hired by Keebler in 1964 and moved his family to Lizella, GA. He worked his way from floor sweeper to production manager of the bakery. He was respected by his coworkers for his hard-working spirit and compassion for others. He loved to share a story about a potential mafia run in while in a Chicago restaurant on a Keebler work trip. Shortly after his second Granddaughter was born, Terry retired from Keebler in 1994. After retiring from Keebler, Terry worked part time for the Georgia National Fair in Perry, GA for over 20 years in the business office. Myrtle would travel to Perry every day of the 10-day fair so they could still spend their days together.
Terry was a member of Lizella Baptist Church in Lizella, GA. His kind and gentle servant’s spirit was shared with all who knew him. He enjoyed making handwritten notes of scripture the Lord placed on his heart and shared them everywhere he went. Anyone who met Terry knew the only person he loved more than Myrtle was His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a walking testimony for his family and friends of how to Love God and Love Others well.
Terry and Myrtle enjoyed many years of retirement together. They especially enjoyed traveling to Daytona Beach, FL and Pigeon Forge, TN. Spending time with family was important to them, and most weekends were spent on road trips to and from Hawkinsville, GA to visit their Granddaughters. After retirement, Terry and Myrtle could be found most mornings inside of McDonald’s drinking coffee and eating the cinnamon raisin biscuits they brought in with them from Hardee’s.
Terry shared his passion for baking with his granddaughters. Pops, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, loved teaching the girls how to make cheese straws, rice krispie treats, blueberry muffins, brownies, cookies, and cakes. Licking the bowl was a necessary step in treat baking with Pops. Pops grew a bountiful garden and liked being able to bless others with fresh produce from his garden. He taught his granddaughters how to dig for potatoes, snap green beans, and shell peas. Sitting down as a family and eating a good meal around the table always began with Pops leading the blessing that left no doubt he had a direct connection to God. There was no greater desire in Terry’s life than for all those he knew to accept the Lord as Savior of their life as well.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 11:00AM, at the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA with Reverend Allen Peacock officiating.
Interment will follow at Rocky Creek Church Cemetery in Broxton, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rocky Creek Church, c/o Teresa Vaughn, 402 Frank Vaughn Rd., Douglas, GA 31533.
Sims Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.