If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mr. Terry Hoff. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Terry was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

     Terry was born at Mobile Infirmary Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. He was the son of Evelyn Maria Ledeen and Gustav Helmer Hoff. Terry was raised in Mobile until the age of six and then in Jackson, Mississippi. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Terry was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Terry's personality throughout his life.

     Though Terry was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Terry was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Terry worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Terry was raised with one sibling, his sister Elna Emily Hoff-Davis. Terry and his sister had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

     As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Terry was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Terry was always tactful. One thing Terry will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Terry had a number of interests and was an active child. Terry took part in Little League Baseball and was a Cub Scout. In his spare time he liked riding and fixing motorcycles; swimming and anything to do with the water; building and collecting small cars & trucks and building his own dirt ramps for them; bicycling; and collecting baseball cards. Terry's memorable achievements included building his own box car in the Soap Box Derby in Jackson where he won a prize for it. He also worked for the Clarion Ledger delivering newspapers on his bicycle.

     For Terry, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Terry was also adept at details. Terry was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He attended Provine High School in West Jackson and attained his GED while in the Army National Guard. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school included Shop, Physical Education and Math. He loved tinkering on things and working on motorcycles.

     College can be a challenge, but Terry appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around him. Terry had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Terry enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors Terry took some technical, computer and mechanical classes with various jobs.

     There was one thing that all of Terry's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything This quality is one of the primary reasons that Terry was such a popular person throughout his life But Terry was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Terry was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Terry was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Terry was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Terry was fairly comfortable playing the role of "host" for just about any occasion. When Terry made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, Terry was friends with the whole neighborhood. His best friends were Pat & Don Renger and Harbert Smith and Jimmy when he was in high school.

     Terry was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Terry cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. Terry was married in 1965 to Pat and later in life, married Kathryn "Kay" Diane Sumrall in Clinton, Mississippi in 1973. Compassionate and devoted, Terry worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

     Harmony was important to Terry and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Terry was blessed with one child, one daughter Lisa Maria Hoff. Terry was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Terry was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Terry would listen before he would act.

     Taking his work seriously came naturally to Terry, and he expected the same from those around him. Terry was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a "people person" and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Terry was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Terry handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad "big picture." His primary occupation was as a computer technician, mechanic and licensed Commercial Driver later in life. He worked on cars, boats, motorcycles (especially Honda and Yamaha's) 4-wheelers, and jet skis; he worked on telephone line installations; installed computers for hotel chains in the Cayman Islands and the British West Indies; he was a licensed CDL operator for several companies; a printer copier technician and cash register technician for Jackson Cash Register. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

     Blessed with a practical nature, Terry was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. He was in the Army National Guard in Jackson, MS.

     A methodical man, Terry enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were building and repairing computers, working on cars, motorcycles, boats and 4-wheelers.

     Terry was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Terry was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Terry enjoyed roller skating and swimming as well as recreational sports such as water skiing. Terry also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Olympics and baseball.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Terry well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Silverhill, Alabama, where he was baptized, but he also attended other Baptist and Presbyterian churches with his wife Kay Sumrall. He took confirmation classes at our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

     Not only did Terry enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Cayman Islands, Florida and camping on the sand banks of the Pearl River.

     Terry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Among his favorites were cats; and he always took care of any strays that wandered his way. He loved dogs as well including labs and hound dogs, but his favorite childhood pet was a Springer-spaniel mix named Stubby.

     Since it was easy for Terry to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Terry was ready when that day to retire finally came in Terry never did retire. He was always working. Even in retirement, Terry stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

     Terry was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Terry was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Terry Hoff.

     Terry passed from this life on Thursday, February 18, 2010 while hospitalized at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center of Jackson. Funeral services were held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. In accordance with his wishes, his body was then cremated and his remains interred in Silverhill Cemetery, Silverhill, Alabama.