Mark "Chainsaw" Chism

Mark “Chainsaw” Chism, 52, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015 in Ocean Springs. Chainsaw was born March 24, 1963 on Johnson AFB, Japan. He was the fourth of five boys, born to Billy and Elise Chism, an Air Force family. They soon moved to Eglin AFB, FL to Keesler AFB, MS to Wiesbaden AFB, Germany to March AFB, Riverside, CA, finally settling in Ocean Springs where Billy retired from the Air Force in 1977. While playing City League Baseball, he became forever known as “Chainsaw”, a name that would replace his first name. Chainsaw would go on to play football for OSJH, pitch for OSHS team that would go on to State Tournament in the 80’s, and graduate from OSHS in 1981. After high school, he would do a short stint in the Air Force and get stationed at Altus AFB, OK. After the Air Force, Chainsaw returned to Ocean Springs and began a lifelong career in printing at First American Printing. Being of Free- Spirit, he would go to Seattle with his brother from another mother, Scott Wittmers, in a car known as the “Rocket”. Chainsaw would make his way back to MS and work in Jackson before finally coming home to Ocean Springs. Chainsaw went on to marry Kim Frierson on May 21, 1998 and would begin their life together living in Gautier and eventually settling down on Point Aux Chenes Rd. He would go on to work for Knight Abby Printing in Biloxi and finally land his dream printing job at Stennis. Chainsaw was preceded in death by his parents, Billy D. and Elise E. Kirschmann Chism and survived by his loving wife, Kim Frierson Chism, his four daughters: Jennifer, Kristen, Brittany and Miranda; his six grandchildren to whom he was lovingly known as “PoPo”; his brothers: Steven (Debbie) of Manchester, NH, James (Debbie) of Ocean Springs, Mike (Jeannie) of Vancleave, Kevin (Barbara) of Biloxi and Scott (Marletta) Wittmers of Ocean Springs. He was a friend to so many; he never met a stranger. Wherever you went with Chainsaw, he would always know someone there. The Lord knew the Free-Spirited, kind-hearted, and unique person that Chainsaw was and wanted him home. Chainsaw was known by many, loved by more, and will be forever missed by ALL. A Funeral Service will be held at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 2:30 pm. Friends may visit from 12:00 pm until service time. Wear your flip flops, come share your many stories, and celebrate the life of Chainsaw.