Benny Roy Easterling

Benny Roy “B.R.” Easterling (Pops to the family), age 88, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of Monday, January 27, 2025.

Benny Roy was born on March 17, 1936 in Gulfport. He graduated in 1954 from Gulfport High School where he was a member of ROTC. Benny Roy attended Perkinston Junior College where he played football until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1955. After serving during the Korean War on USS Robert L. Wilson, he was honorably discharged in 1957. Benny Roy was humble and did not speak much of his service to his county but as he became older his pride grew and he enjoyed conversing with other veterans. He was grateful for the camaraderie and services provided by the Biloxi V.A.

Benny Roy married Lauralee Keen in Gulfport, MS on August 2, 1958. They lived in Hattiesburg, MS until Benny Roy graduated from Mississippi Southern College in 1960 with a double major in Math and Geology. He began a long career in Computer Science as an Electronic Programmer at the Michaud Nasa Test Site in east New Orleans. Eventually, Benny Roy found his calling as a Computer Language Instructor for Honeywell at Keesler Air Force Base and enjoyed being able to travel to Air Force bases around the world as an instructor.

Benny Roy was a natural caregiver and stepped willingly into that role for family and friends. He was a devoted husband for 62 years to Lauralee and selflessly cared for her until she passed away in 2020. Benny Roy was a patient and strong father that was hands on and always there for his children. He was an educator at heart and loved sharing his wisdom and particular methods to do anything. He never tired of demonstrating the correct way to make coffee or fold the Cheeto bag. He loved to make any story funny and had a boisterous laugh.

Benny Roy was a proud member of ROMEO’s (retired old me eating out), the weekly lunch bunch, and looked forward to Wednesday outings at favorite local restaurants with his closest group of friends. He was proud to be the eldest in this group of friends from High School. Benny Roy loved football, poker, music, dancing, good food, National Geographic, his grand pups, and conversation. He was a faithful New Orleans Saints fan from the very beginning. We all have many fond memories during football season spending time together watching the games.

Pops was a loving grandfather that cared deeply for his family and would do anything for them. Always ready with a big strong hug, whenever you had time for Pops he had time for you. He possessed a calming presence and provided the love and reassurance that any friend or family member could need. Pops was the epitome of a kind hearted loving man that wanted nothing more than to care for his family and ensure that they had a bright and happy future. Pops loved good food and had a sweet tooth that he nurtured and passed on to his grandchildren. He loved chocolate, adored peanut butter, and to his grandchildren's delight, always had multiple flavors of ice cream in the freezer.

Benny Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Benjamin and Hazel Lee Easterling; wife, Lauralee Keen Easterling; brother, Danny L. Easterling; and sister, Sheila G Easterling.

Left to cherish his memory on earth are his children, David (Kim Sumrall) Easterling and Julie (Phillip Taylor) Loftin; grandchildren, Amanda Easterling, Ashley (Gregor) Manukian, Andrew (Perri Kinsman) Easterling, David Joseph Easterling, Jr., Benjamin Loftin, and Madison Loftin; great-grandchildren, Sloane, Archie, and Theodore; sister-in-law, Anna Easterling; and former daughter-in-law, Stacey Swords.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Greenbriar Nursing Home and SAAD Hospice for the brief but very compassionate care they provided.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Biloxi National Cemetery where Benny Roy will be buried with military honors. A celebration of his life will be held as well. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Easterling family.