Billy Wayne Cruthirds

Today, Billy rode up to Heaven to be with God.  He trusted God and is now where he was meant to be.  He now has peace within, and as a child of God, his soul has freedom to ride, to dance, to sing, to praise, and to love each one of us forever. 

He knew and believed that his family and friends were angels who lifted him up to his feet when his wings had trouble remembering how to fly. 

Billy was born and raised in Biloxi, MS on April 23, 1942, and was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and Ocean Springs.  Billy left this world on July 11, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his angel daughter, Darlene Marie Cruthirds; mother, Lucille Cruthirds; father, Norman Cruthirds; and brother, Benjamin Norman Cruthirds.  Also preceded in death were his grandmother, Annie King Cruthirds; grandfather, Rudolph Cruthirds; grandmother, Maude Dyer Gum; and grandfather, William M. Gum. 

He is leaving behind the most precious gifts God gave to him; a loving and kind wife of 60 years, Mary Illich Cruthirds; two unique and special sons, Randy (Kimberly) Cruthirds of Hattiesburg, MS and Troy (Leila) Cruthirds of Mobile, AL.  The joys of his life were his grandchildren, two special grandsons – William Tyler Cruthirds of Hattiesburg, MS and Sean Morgan Cruthirds of Mobile, AL; four precious granddaughters – Courtney Lynn Cruthirds, Kelli Anne Cruthirds, and Nicole Lee Cruthirds of Hattiesburg, MS and Kara Marie Cruthirds of Mobile, AL.  He is also leaving behind a “sister”, Anne Schuck of Ocean Springs, MS and many dear and special friends who were close to his heart and whom he loved dearly.  These friends were Billy’s family.  They were loyal, loving, helpful, and kind and were a very important part of his life.  Also leaving behind were so many dear and special nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. 

His life was spending time with his children and grandchildren, sailing, and riding his Harley.  All of you were a joy and blessing in Billy’s life.  He had an immensurable amount of love and gratitude for his family, friends, and everyone. 

Billy graduated from Biloxi High School in 1960, graduated from the LSU School of Banking, and from the Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma.  He had been in commercial banking for over 50+ years and retired from Hancock-Whitney Bank. 

Billy was a devout Catholic of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and attended daily Mass for over 40+ years and was the former president of St. Alphonsus Parish Council.  He was a member of the Mobile Yacht Club, a former king and captain of the Revelers Carnival Organization and served on the board for 15 years.  He was a former board member of the Biloxi Seafood and Maritime Museum, a 40+ year past member of the Biloxi Yacht Club and served on the Board of Directors, a former king of the Young Matrons, and a member of the Gulf Yachting Association.  Billy was also a member of St. Vincent de Paul. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul of Ocean Springs, MS or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, MS at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until Mass time.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Billy Cruthirds.