Horace P. Gautier

Mr. Horace Patrick Gautier, 97, died January 29, 2008 at his home in Biloxi. Horace was born in Pascagoula. The Gautier family moved to Biloxi when he was a young boy. He was a 1931 graduate of Biloxi High School where he played football on Biloxi's Big Eight championship team. He also attended Louisiana Tech College on a football scholarship. While serving with the Mississippi National Guard, Horace was called to active duty during World War II. He attended Field Artillery Mechanics School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and graduated first in his class. He was assigned to the 109th Field Artillery Division Battalion where he attained the rank of Tech-Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery during the Battle of the Bulge. Horace was an active member of the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer having served on the Vestry as Senior Warden. He was a member of Magnolia Lodge # 120, F.&A.M. and Ann Grayson Chapter Order of Eastern Star in Biloxi. Horace and his partner Edgar Byrd owned and operated Gautier and Byrd Oil Wharf and boat dealership in Biloxi until their retirement. He was preced in death by his parents, Adam and Mercee' Jane' Gautier, four brothers, five sisters and one great-grand daughter. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ruby Terry Gautier, daughter Terry (Pat) Byrd, son Joseph P. Gautier, a brother, James Upton Gautier, eight grandchildren, Deborah Shadoin, of Melborne, FL, Katherine (Steve) Everette, Meridian, MS, Traci Shadoin, Biloxi, MS, Lauren (Edward) Schultz, Biloxi, MS, Luke Gautier, Hattiesburg, MS Rachael Gautier, Biloxi, MS Edee Byrd (Chris) Lemonier, Battleground, WA and Lisa Byrd (Jeff) Armstrong, Madison, MS and eleven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 31, 2008, 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. Funeral service will be held Friday, February 1, 2008 at The Episcopal Church of The Redeemer (DeMiller Hall) at 8:30 a.m. Friends may visit one half hour prior to service. Interment will be at the Biloxi National Cemetery with Masonic graveside services. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to The Church of The Redeemer building fund. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com