Raymond J. St. Amant

Ray peacefully left this earth after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, November 27, 2005, at his home in Woolmarket. Born in Hattiesburg, MS to Arthur and Wanda St. Amant June 25, 1946, the first of three children. He lived in Japan and Hawaii as a child while his dad was serving in the U. S. Air Force. He always considered Biloxi as his hometown. He attended B.V.M. and Sacred Heart Elementary Schools and graduated from Biloxi High in 1964. Ray served in the U. S. Navy from 1964 until 1971, serving two tours in Vietnam on river patrol. He and his dad were both in Vietnam during 1968. He was married to the former Gail Camp and retired from F & F Distributors after 25 years as distribution manager in 1997. He was later employed by Grand Casino, Biloxi, until his illness. Raymond will be remembered best for the many years he dedicated to the Biloxi Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet, serving as chairman of the Fe is Do Do. Under his guidance, it became a yearly family event to be anticipated. For several years, it was one of the top ten visitor attractions in the state and received state awards. His association with the Shrimp Fesival stemmed from his numerous years of service to the French Club, where he served as president for several years. Ray was very proud of his French heritage. The Maritime Museum will also miss Raymond's time and talents. He served on one of the early Board of Directors and donated countless hours to the museum. As a master boat model builder, he cleaned and restored several pieces for the museum. As a hobby, Ray built "period" ships to scale, using blueprints. His children and several very special friends have been the recipients of these gifts of love. Raymond was predeceased by his parents and sister, Kathy. He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen, and his children, Melissa Galle and her husband, Alexis, II; Raymond Jr. "Ramie", and Nicole Henderson and her husband, Chris; his "kids", grandsons, Alexis Galle, III, Patrick Galle and Christopher Henderson and his beloved mini Dachshund, "JR". Ray considered his children and "kids" his greatest treasures. He is also survived by a younger brother, Kenny. Keeping with Raymond's wishes, there will be a visitation from 6 till 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. His remains will be buried at sea with a private family service. In lieu of flowers. please make any donations to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507, or to the charity of your choice. The family wants to thank Dr. Latour and staff, as well as South Mississippi Home Health, especially Brian and David, for the loving care they showed to Raymond and Maureen during their final journey.