Mr. Dovel Boles, Jr.

Mr. Dovel Boles Jr., 81, of Biloxi, MS, died Thursday, September 19, 2024 in Gulfport, MS. Dovel was born on August 15, 1943 to Dovel Boles and Mabel Powell Boles in Greenville, AL. 

Dovel came to Biloxi with his parents when his father was stationed at Keesler AFB. He graduated from Biloxi High School and attended the University of Southern MS and graduated with a B.A. Degree. His career started at Notre Dame High School and continued at Biloxi High School. He was the Head of the Drivers Education Department and worked to get some of the most advanced training equipment available for the school. He loved teaching and creating a fun learning space for students (many loud pans were thrown during the simulator) while emphasizing defensive driving which he believed would save lives. He retired in 2005, after over thirty-five years of teaching. Dovel married the love of his life, Mary Boles, on August 15, 1968 in Biloxi. They were married 54 years.

Dovel achieved the honor of 33rd Degree Mason and member of Magnolia Lodge F&AM. He was a longstanding member of Mithras Mardi Gras group. Dovel was a lifelong member of the Biloxi Yacht Club and won 2nd place in the Race for the Case. He also enjoyed being a member of Lions Club of Biloxi. Dovel loved working on and enjoying cars and motorcycles. He was a generous giving person and always first to lend a friend a helping hand. 

He was preceded in passing by his wife, Mary Wallace Boles; his son, Donel Wallace Boles; and his parents, Dovel and Mabel Boles. 

Dovel is survived by his children, Jennifer Boles (Jeff Whitten) and Dr. Nathan Boles; and his grandchildren and their mother, British Boles, Bruce Boles and Mandy Bishop. He will be truly missed by his children, cousins, and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dovel Boles.