Terry Wayne Gee Sr

Terry Wayne Gee, Sr., 73, of Baton Rouge, died May 19, 2014. He was born on September 21, 1940, to the late Garland and Cletus Grimes Gee of Natchez, MS. Terry Gee served three terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives (1980 - 1992) under three separate governors, where he was instrumental in revamping Louisiana labor law as well as having a significant impact on tax control and state spending. After his elected career he was appointed by Governor Mike Foster to oversee the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), the nation's deep water oil port for offloading super tankers and sending their crude to refineries across the country. Later, he was selected by Governor Foster to oversee the reevaluation of the security of LOOP after the 9-11 terrorist event since The Offshore Oil Port figured to be one of the most strategic terrorist targets in America. Terry's career began as an executive in the utility industry in Northeast Louisiana and Mississippi after his graduation from Louisiana Tech. His skill and knowledge of the economy and politics led him to be the Executive Director of Associated Builders and Contractors in New Orleans. He was encouraged to expand his influence over current affairs by the business leaders in Southeast Louisiana who urged him into a career in politics where he was elected to three consecutive terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives. He was instrumental in rewriting laws which brought balance to Labor/Management negotiations in the state and he will be remembered for his undying efforts to bring fiscal sanity to the annual budget wars in the Capitol. He was a powerful and influential associate and close friend to John Alario who was Speaker of the House of Representatives. His skill, knowledge and overriding sense of fairness made him popular with many elements of the political world. His advice and guidance was sought by leaders in Washington as well as in Baton Rouge. In the Louisiana House of Representatives he was able to move from faction to faction as he sought to be fair to everyone. He was trusted by Democrats and Republicans to bring skill and balance to all political considerations which made him unusually effective. In high school in Natchez he excelled in several sports and at Louisiana Tech he was a varsity tennis and baseball player. He also traveled through much of his young adult life to competition in contract bridge where he was known to be very skillful. In his life, his skills, intellect, sense of humor and positive attitude attracted literally hundreds of friends and he will be dearly missed by all of them. Terry was a wonderful storyteller, humorist and gentleman. He "held court" at too many establishments to mention in New Orleans and Baton Rouge and all who shared his table felt favored to spend time with him. His "office" traveled with him and most days you could find him at work at any restaurant that had a fire blazing, talking on his phone, making deals, taking notes on paper napkins, helping friends, and watching his favorite sporting event. He is survived by his close companion of over 40 years, Gale Stamper, son Terry Gee Jr., daughter Regina Gee, siblings Kenny Gee and Brenda Barker, as well as his former wife Wanda Webb Gee, four grandchildren, and hundreds of friends. All who were close to Terry considered him their best friend and he would do anything for them. The world has lost an invaluable person and heaven is blessed with his presence. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at Jubans restaurant in Baton Rouge at 5:00 PM on Sunday June 1.