Terry "Motesy" Lee Motes

Terry “Motesy” or “Pop” Lee Motes, 73, passed peacefully on January 15, 2021 from complications from Covid19 at the VA hospital. He was born on August 16, 1947 in Winona, Mississippi to Luther and Margaret Motes. The Motes family moved to Buras, Louisiana.
Motesy’s best friends were the boys from Buras, Terry Reddick, Kenny Davis, Goo Buras, John Reddick, Walnut Latham, Joey Ballay, and Chuck Latham. Following graduation from Buras High School in 1965 he attended Southwestern Louisiana University for 1 year before being drafted into the United States Army. He served in the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam for 1 year. He then went to Fort Polk to serve as an E5 Drill Sergeant. He was classified as a master sharp shooter.

Following his military service, Terry owned the Fleur de Lis lounge and worked at his father’s store, Motes Discount Furniture. As a hard working resident of Plaquemines Parish, he went to work in the oil and gas industry as a production operator, working for Megga Industries. He held a US Coast Guard Captain’s License, and being on the water was one of his passions in life. He was a proud boat captain for Motes Lease Service.

Terry married the love of this life, Katherine “Kathy” Barrios on January 3, 1970. In 2020, they celebrated 51 years of marriage. He was a Master Mason at the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the local American Legion. Terry was an avid fisherman, master shrimp boiler, and righteous card player. He enjoyed coaching his son, Jeff aka Bubby, in Little League Baseball, and his players loved Coach Terry. He was so proud of his son for playing college & professional baseball, as well as his daughter, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Terry was a great believer in President Trump’s vision of Making America Great Again. His 73rd birthday was MAGA themed, and he had a blast with this family. He could not bear to see Joe Biden sworn in as president.

Terry’s greatest joys in his life were his wife Kathy, whom he lovingly called “Kat”, children, and grandchildren, who knew him as Pop. He enjoyed an especially close relationship with his grandson, Will, and was proud to pilot a vessel for his son’s company christened A-Will in honor of Will and step-grandson Avery.

Terry was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his precious wife Kathy, son, Jeffry (Connie), daughter Jennifer Gustafson (Joe), grandchildren, William Joseph Gustafson, Katherine Renee Gustafson, and Margaret Ellen Gustafson, step-grandchildren, Sadie Anclade and Avery Williams, step-great granddaughters, Everly & Jersey Ancalade; brother Larry “Butch” (Ivy) Motes, Sisters Debbie (Bobby) Martin and Lisa (Patrick) Meche. As well as several nieces, nephews and a special relationship with niece Megan (Joe) and Elle.

Services will be held Tuesday January 19, 2021 at Riverside Baptist Church, 9220 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge, Louisiana. Viewing times are 9-9:30 a.m. for family, 9:30-11 a.m. for the public, and 11-12 for the service. Military Honors burial will be immediately following at the Nairn Cemetery, Louisiana Hwy 23, Nairn, LA., with a celebration reception to follow at the Port Sulphur YMCA. Please wear your masks and practice social distancing.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to President Trump’s 2024 Campaign or to the American Legion in Belle Chase.