Charles Anthony Stojcich

Mr. Charles A. Stojcich, age 74, died Thursday, February 9, 2006, at Gulfport Memorial Hospital. Mr. Stojcich was a native of Biloxi and graduated from Biloxi High School in 1949. After graduation he joined the U. S. Navy which took him to Korea, the South Pacific and Alaska. He returned home to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. After receiving his degrees in Theology and English he went to work for the Social Security Administration in August 1961. Charles worked his way up through the agency and held various positions including Field Representative, Claims Representative, and Operations Supervisor, and worked in various field offices; Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL, and Panama City, FL. He worked his way up through management and during the late 60's and early 70's was the Assistant Regional Representative for the Bureau of Disability Insurance. Charles transferred to Mississippi in October 1974 and served as the Mississippi Area Director for 15 years. From 1989 through 1994 he served as District Manager in Mobile, AL. Then, was District Manager in Gulfport, MS for one year in 1995. Charles received many service awards during his career. He officially retired on January 3, 1996. Charles' status within the agency, and in Mississippi particularly, is legendary. He was on the forefront of the Disability program and will always be remembered as a leader dedicated to giving the best possible service to the people of Mississippi. Charles demanded the best from these employees and always took care of his employees. He was a friend to many, but a mentor to all, especially the ones he chose to take under his wing, even after he retired. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time on his boat, the "Doris Mae", where he rode out Hurricane Katrina with his childhood friend, Ronald Baker, and Ronald's two sons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Stojcich (Tony and Edna), grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Stojcich and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Fowler, all of Biloxi and a nephew, Roger McElveen, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is survived by three sisters, Colonel and Mrs. Page (Doris) Cowart of Lottsberg, Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. A. Jake (June) Mladinich II, of Biloxi and Mr. and Mrs. James (Mavis) Ferriter of Bossier City, LA, fourteen nieces and nephews, numerous great and great great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2006, at 12 noon at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi where friends may visit from 10 a.m. till service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.