Larry Vernon Sablich

On June 9, 2024, native Biloxian and proud Croatian, Larry Sablich, 63, died peacefully in the arms of his wife, Cheryl, with his two children, Emily and Stephen, by his side. He loved God; his family, especially his grandchildren; his friends, his animals; his job; the City of Biloxi; baseball; golf; fishing; soft-shell crabbing; and the New Orleans Saints. He leaves behind a legacy of love, friendships, and dedication to his family that will forever be felt in the hearts of all who knew him.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Joseph Sablich, Sr. and Maria Romeo Sablich, and his brother, Harold Joseph Sablich, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cheryl Ennis Sablich; children, Emily Sablich Jones (Pete) and Stephen Paul Sablich; grandsons, Daxton Jones and Cade Jones; his granddog, Dwayne; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a whole slew of cousins. He was kin to everyone; that's why he had to go out of state to find a wife. Larry also leaves behind his two dogs, Tyson and Tucker, and five cats he never really claimed but was often heard talking to in the early mornings while waiting for coffee to brew.

Larry was born on August 1, 1960, the hottest part of the summer. The hotter, the better for him; he hated the cold. He was raised on Porter Avenue, the heart of Biloxi, and spent his younger years roaming Back Bay, front beach, and all of Bay Terrace with his Bay Terrace Gang 2.0: Nom Myoho Renge Kyo. Larry graduated from Biloxi High School in 1978. While he was the proudest father on the face of this earth, he would never admit that both of his children graduated from D'Iberville High School. When at a Biloxi/D'Iberville football game, he was frequently found hiding behind light poles or the concession stand while supporting Emily as she cheered for the Warriors. He was a talented baseball player, having received his first glove when he was a toddler from his beloved older brother, Harold. He played from Little League to the collegiate level as a fierce, hard-throwing right-hander, earning a spot at Perk as a walk-on.

Larry and Cheryl were married on February 15, 1986. They lived in Gonzales and Prairieville, Louisiana, before returning to Biloxi in 1994. For three years, Larry took on the role of "Mr. Mom," a role he cherished. He often said those were the best years of his life. He embraced being a father with pride and joy, considering it a true honor to be deeply involved in the upbringing of his children. Larry's love for his grandsons, Daxton, his "Little Man," and Cade, knew no bounds. He loved being PawPaw. He did whatever they wanted. "No" was not in his vocabulary when it came to them.

In 1996, Larry joined the Biloxi Port Commission, starting at ground level in Dockside Security and working his way up to Port Division Manager for the City of Biloxi—his dream job. He loved his work, was never late, and served the citizens of Biloxi with pride. He didn't play politics. He treated everyone equally and fairly. With Larry, you always knew where you stood. He never sugar-coated anything.

Larry faced cancer with a spirit that mirrored his lifelong belief in Santa Claus. He approached life with a child-like wonder, believing in the magic of possibility. His determination during his medical treatments was a testament to his unwavering belief that anything is possible with faith and perseverance. His resilience shone through as he fought bravely, drawing strength from his deep-rooted optimism and the love of his family and friends. Though his battle was challenging, his belief in the power of hope inspired all who knew him. He never gave up.

Larry's wish is for his ashes to be cast in the soft, light sand of Deer Island...not the heavy sand of Biloxi's front beach.

The Sablich family would like to thank each person for their presence, prayers, support, kindness, and delivery of food during Larry's illness and after his death. We thank the clergy, Eucharistic ministers, physicians, the nurses and CNAs at Memorial and Singing River/Gulfport ICU, fellow parishioners, and family and friends throughout the Coast and beyond for your ever-present expressions of thoughtfulness and love. The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home for their compassionate and professional care during this difficult time. Your support and dedication have been a source of comfort, and we are truly grateful for your assistance in honoring the memory of our beloved Larry.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Saturday, June 22, 2024, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woolmarket. Visitation will precede the Mass at 10:00 am. A reception will immediately follow at the Biloxi Welcome Center on Highway 90.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Larry Vernon Sablich.