Bobbie Gene Mize

Mr. Bobbie Gene Mize, age 80, of Gautier, Miss., passed away on Friday, January 18, 2008 at River Chase Village in Gautier after an extended illness. He departed this world surrounded by his family and a chorus of angels. He has gone to walk with Jesus and spend eternity at the side of God. Before moving to the coast, Bob "the rag man" worked in various management positions with Natchez Steam Laundry for 26 years. He has always been a devoted and caring father and grandfather. He carried on rearing four young children alone after the loss of Lola and his children have never forgotten his love and dedication. He was a member of the Ocean Springs Baptist Church and before moving to the nursing home, was a resident at Villa Maria Retirement Apartments in Ocean Springs, Miss. He leaves behind many friends at the Villa and Senior Center in Ocean Springs where he was known for zooming around town in his motorized wheelchair. Bob was preceded in death by his two wives, Lola Presley Mize and Viola Tipton Mize; his parents, Curtis and Effie Mize and siblings, Hazel, Rel and Howard Mize; and three grandchildren, twins-Samuel and Daniel Stampley and Daniel Mize. Survivors include his devoted and loving children; two daughters, Debra (Garry) Matthews of Vancleave, Miss., Donna (Harry) Loomis, and two sons, Duane and David (Regina) Mize, all of Natchez, Miss.; six grandchildren, Mike Smith of Vancleave, Gina Johansson, Eric Stampley, Robert Mize and Shelby Mize, all of Natchez, Preston Mize, all of Natchez, Preston Mize of D'Iberville, Miss. and two great-grandchildren, Madison Newman and Chloe Johansson of Natchez. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 20, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. chapel service at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. On Monday, January 21, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. there will be a graveside service, he will be interred next to Lola in the family plot at St. Peters Cemetery in Oxford, Miss.