Lawrence Paul Tucei, Sr.

Mr. Lawrence Paul Tucei, Sr., 82, of Gautier, MS died on Thursday, April 11, 2013 in Ocean Springs. Mr. Tucei was a Biloxi boy, born in 1930, during the depression years. He went to Biloxi Elementary, Junior and High School. Mr. Tucei had three brothers and two sisters and he was the second youngest. Mr. Tucei joined the MS National Guard in 1950 and served almost two years. His unit, Battery C of the 115th Gun Battalion of Biloxi was activated on May 1, 1951. The Unit had a reunion in Biloxi in 2004. He then joined the army and served 20 years and five months, serving at several stations. He was in Korea just after the ware and he served in the Vietnam War. He retired in mid 1971 to Gautier MS. After his military career, he led a pretty simple life, working for MS Chemical for a year. He didn't care for that so he went to work for Liberty National Insurance for a few years. His last job was at Chuck's Texaco in Pascagoula where he worked for a few years, before retiring and spending most of his time with his family. Mr. Tucei married Willie Eakin in 1955 while stationed in Maryland. They had three boys, Larry, Mark and Brian. After his retirement, he bought a home in Gautier, MS and has lived there for 42 years. Mr. Tucei was a very friendly person and he loved people. His family could always depend on him. He loved fishing and hunting. He and his brothers would go all of the time back in the 1970's and 80's. He would talk about the the times when they were young and would sleep on the beach. We were very proud of our day and we will miss him greatly. We know that he in Heaven. Mr. Tucei is preceded in death by his father, John Peter Tucei, Sr.; his mother, Julia Stearn Tucei; his brothers, John Peter Tucei, Jr. and Edward Tucei; and his sisters Elaine Mabry Tucei and Julia Mills Tucei. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Willie Tucei; his sons, Larry Tucei, Mark Tucei and Brian Tucei; his granddaughter, Danielle Wickstrom Tucei; two great-grandsons, Colen and Carter; his brother Franklin D. Tucei, Sr.; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. "Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away." A Celebration of Mr. Tucei’s life will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home Friday, April 19, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until service time.