Billy Ray Mooney

Billy Ray Mooney, 79, died Monday, November 1, 2010 at his Biloxi home with his wife and daughter by his side. Bill Mooney was a distinguished military veteran and a long time Gulf Coast pioneer of tourism and above all a loving Husband, and a devoted Father and Grandfather. Mooney earned a Purple Heart, and many other distinguished medals of honor and accommodations. He served his country in the United States Air Force proudly during 2 tours of duty, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his military service he chose to make the Mississippi Gulf Coast his home. “My father was very proud of his military career, I believe it was the foundation for how he lived his life and built the campground businesses with my mother. He was always very kind hearted but was very savvy about how he handled his businesses” said his daughter, Tonya Mooney. After Mooney retired from the Air Force he began a 36 year career in the Tourism and Recreation Industry with his first RV Campground in Ocean Springs, Mooney’s Lake established in 1974 which the family ran for 10 years. In the late 70’s the Mooney’s operated both Mooney’s Lake and developed and operated Biloxi Beach Campground at the corner of Veterans Boulevard and Hwy 90 in Biloxi. And over the last 20 years they have owned and operated Southern Comfort Camping Resort also located on Hwy 90 in Biloxi. Mr. Mooney had been a Good Will Ambassador to thousands of visitors who came and called the coast home for many months of the year. They came to rely on his campgrounds as a reputable resort and vacation spot, always accommodating and treated with great southern hospitality. Yet with all he accomplished in his career, his proudest legacy will be remembered in his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Kinchen Mooney. They met in St Louis in 1952, and were married on November 7, 1953 in Hernando, MS. During his military career they traveled abroad extensively but have been happy to have called the Gulf Coast home for the last 41 years. He has one dearly cherished daughter, Tonya Elizabeth Mooney of Biloxi and his devoted only grandson, Michael Tyler Moffett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgie Dean Mooney and William Austin Mooney of Salem, Missouri, and one brother, James Mooney. He is survived by Ermadine (Raney) Bryant, of Salem, MO, Bobby Lee (Almeta) Mooney, Springfield, MO, Melba (Larry) Myrick, St. Charles, MO, Corine (Dave) Mitchell, St. Louis, MO, Rose Marie (Arhie) Archuleta, Kingston, MO and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, West Biloxi. Friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until service time. He will be buried with full military honors at the Biloxi National Cemetery, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The family request donations be made in memoriam to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.