TUPELO- Terry Wayne “Ace” Elmore passed away at Sanctuary Hospice on August 24 th , 2025. He was born on April 25,1953 in Reform, Alabama to the late William “Bill” Elmore and Frances Pate Elmore. Terry was the first baby born at North Pickens Hospital. He was proud of this accomplishment.
His family relocated to Tupelo, Mississippi in 1965 when he was a young teen and made the area his home for more than 60 years. Terry graduated from Tupelo High School in 1971. Following high school he attended Itawamba Junior College in Fulton, Mississippi from 1971 -1972.
As Terry grew, he developed an interest in all sports. He was gifted in sports. He participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Tupelo High School. He played football at Itawamba Junior College. Later he fell in love with golf and played through his young adult and adult years. Ace enjoyed teaching his father Bill how to play when he retired.
Terry had a personality that mimicked that of his father, Bill Elmore. He was very personable and outgoing. He never met a stranger. Terry spent his career in sales and was very successful. Terry had the opportunity to work with his father at Liberty National Life Insurance as an agent for several years. He made Torch Club for his superior sales performance.
Terry was employed with Natchez Trace Golf Club, Saltillo, Mississippi as the General Manager and Club Pro for over 10 years. The “Trace” was a thriving golf club under his management. Terry worked at Holox, Tupelo, Mississippi as Operations Manager. Terry joined Martin Supply Company, Saltillo, Mississippi until his retirement in 2017. Terry loved his family and friends. He loved getting together and sharing a great meal with everyone.
Terry had two children Jay and Mary Frances. His daughter Mary Frances Strange remained the joy of his life until the end. His son Jay was taken away from him too soon in an automobile accident at twenty years of age. Terry loved his three grandsons Ethan, Clayton and his uncle’s namesake, Jay.
Terry loved the Lord and always trusted in His Savior. He would spend hours praying for everyone on his list. He loved watching the 700 club and Billy Graham. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Tupelo, from the time the Elmore’s relocated to Tupelo until he and his family started attending First Baptist Church Verona. The last church he attended and loved was The Orchard in Tupelo. He loved Brian and Will’s messages so much and the loving community there.
Lastly, he loved Alabama Crimson Tide football. Born and raised in Alabama, he will forever say Roll Tide!!
A Celebration of Life will be at First Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi on Tuesday August 26 th , 2025 @6:30pm.
Terry is survived by his daughter Mary Frances Strange (Nathan) and three grandsons Ethan Strange, Clayton Strange and Jay Strange of Plantersville, Mississippi, his sisters Kay Randle (Bill Randle) of Cookeville, Tennessee and Sandy Brandon of Tupelo, Mississippi. Nephews and nieces include Drew Randle (Heather) and Brianna Randle of Lebanon, Tennessee, Ben Elmore of Tupelo, Mississippi, Bryan Elmore of Tampa, Florida and Betsy Elmore Bardwell (John Bardwell) of Amherst, Virginia and his longtime partner Michelle Hicks of Tupelo, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Frances Elmore, son Jay Elmore, brother Roger Elmore and brother-in-law Ronnie Brandon.