Terry "T-Pop" Cormier

Terry Lee Cormier, affectionately known to most as TC, Tee, or simply “T-Pop” to his beloved granddaughters, passed away on June 27, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 71. He was born on June 21, 1954, in Church Point, Louisiana, to John Clelon and Marie Francois Cormier. 

Terry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Melanie Simmons Cormier, who he adored and who was his rock through five decades of marriage. He is also survived by his three children, all of whom inherited pieces of his humor, warmth, and grit, Brett Cormier, Trevor Cormier and wife Carrie, and Lacey Cormier and husband Kevin Nuut. His granddaughters, Kayleigh and Zoe Cormier, were the light of his life, and they lovingly called him T-Pop. He also leaves behind his siblings, Patrick Cormier, Judy Cormier, Yvonne Bailey (Ronnie), Paul Cormier, Debra Cormier, Monica Cormier, and Tim Cormier (Melissa), as well as a wide and loyal circle of extended family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and gym buddies who were like family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John “JC” Clelon and Marie Francois Cormier; sisters-in-law, Marcia Balcom and Cindy Cormier; nephew, J.J. Trotter; and nieces, Christie Williams and Jessica Lee. 

Terry spent most of his career with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. After retirement from the state, he continued working at CAAL and then GOTECH. He was a dedicated worker with a deep sense of responsibility and pride in what he did. A lifelong Catholic, Terry was a member of St. Jean Vianney Church, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council, and a founding member of the SJV Men’s Club. He was also a proud member of Kiltz and Kisses and a former Krewe member of the Krewe of Orion, where he loved the music, fun, and sense of community. Terry lived his life with big laughs, an open heart, and a schedule that almost always included a 5:00 a.m. gym session with his friends that included drinking coffee and talking afterwards. He had a special group of friends who met on Wednesdays and proudly called themselves “The Breakfast Club.” That same joyful energy carried into every area of his life—from watching LSU and Saints football, to fishing, to cooking incredible pots of jambalaya, pork butt, and gumbo that could feed an army. He was known for being the kind of dad who showed his love in both subtle and hilarious ways. When his daughter Lacey asked him to drop her off a block away from school to avoid being seen, he pulled up to the front entrance, parked, got out of the car, gave her a big hug, and announced loudly, “I love you, honey!”—just to make sure everyone was watching. When his kids were little and left their toys outside, he’d launch into an original song during the morning drive: “Say goodbye little ball, we are going to leave you little ball…” He used to drive a brown truck named Frank, and there was a particular intersection with a bump in the road that his kids loved. If the light was green, Terry would announce, “We’re going to jump the bump!” and speed up just enough to send Frank sailing in the air. It was the kind of simple, silly joy he loved to share. Terry was hardworking and deeply loyal, but also wonderfully goofy. He gave the best hugs, the kind where babies would fall asleep on his chest because he was so warm and solid. He loved to laugh, nap, and enjoy a glass of Dickel whiskey after a long day. He went to bed early, woke up even earlier, and managed to sneak in at least two naps most days. He will be remembered for his deep love of family and friends, his magnetic presence, his hilarious stubborn streak, and the unmistakable way he brought energy and laughter into every room. His was a life filled with joy, tradition, generosity, and the kind of love that makes a lasting imprint on everyone lucky enough to know him. 

Visitation will be held at St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8th. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:30 AM. A Celebration of Life will take place in the church hall next door from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sisters of Christian Charity: https://square.link/u/bLAZeM8G.