Chester M. McPhearson, Jr.

Mr. Chester M. McPhearson, Jr., age 81, of Ocean Springs, MS., died Thursday, August 3, 2006, in Ocean Springs. Mr. McPhearson was born in Heidelburg, MS., and was a resident of Ocean Springs for sixty years. He was the former owner of McPhearson's Mens Wear for thirty five years. He was a US Army WWII Veteran, having served in the European Theatre. He was a former mayor of Ocean Springs from 1981-1989, an Ocean Springs Alderman for 8 years, and a member of the Ocean Springs School Board for 9 years. He had been active in the Jaycees and the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce in the early years of those organizations. A lifelong golfer, he was a member of the Gulf Hills Men's Golf Association. He was also a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where he was a former president of the church board. Mr. McPhearson was preceded in death by his wife , Mary Jane McPhearson. Survivors include two daughters, Lou (Charles) Cheek of Augusta, GA., and Linda (Ben) Walker of Alexandria, LA., son, Richard (Ruth) McPhearson of Ocean Springs, MS., sister, Mary (Ray) Dolan of Cloquet, MN., two grandchildren, Michael Cheek and Kaitlin Walker, special friend, Sue McClamrock, and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 6, 2006, from 5-8 PM, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Monday, August 7, 2006, there will be a 10 AM graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs. Honorary pallbearers will be Will Charbonnet, Max Jordan, Larry Brewer, Glenn Young, Buddy Beaugez, and Ron Woods. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 638, Gulfport, MS. 39506, or to the St. Vincent De Paul Community Pharmacy, 681 Division Street, Biloxi, MS., 39530. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.