NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University alumni Vic and Terry Stelly, residents of Moss Bluff, died within hours of each other Dec. 26, after succumbing to complications from COVID-19. Vic Stelly, 79, a former state representative, earned a bachelor’s degree at NSU in 1962 and a master’s degree from Louisiana State University in 1965. He was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2006. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Friends said the couple were deeply committed to one another, their family, community and church.
As a lawmaker, Stelly served four terms in the state House beginning in 1988 and was known for a tax swap plan that bears his name. The retired insurance agent was later appointed to the Louisiana Board of Regents, which oversees public higher education spending and management.
Stelly was a native of Zachary and Terry Stelly a native of Longview, Texas, when the couple met while attending NSU and were married during Mr. Stelly’s sophomore year. After graduation, they moved to Baton Rouge where he taught and coached at Broadmoor and Redemptorist high schools. They then moved to Lake Charles when he accepted an assistant coach position at McNeese State University. His last football season gave way to an entirely new season when he was recruited by State Farm, where he enjoyed a 25-year career as a local agent in Moss Bluff. During that time, Terry Stelly also worked as a legal secretary to the District Attorney.
In 2015, the couple established the Vic and Terry Stelly Athletic Scholarship through the Northwestern State Demons Unlimited Foundation. Mr. Stelly was quarterback on the 1958-61 Demon football teams and president of the N Club.
Funeral services took place Dec. 31 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles. The Stellys are survived by three children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
