Richard "Rick" Judson Christmas

Richard “Rick” Judson Christmas passed away at home on Thursday, November 30, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father J.Y. Christmas, mother Elva Downing Christmas, brother Jimmy Christmas and survived by his wife Nancy Christmas of 58 years, sister Merrie Christmas, niece Jessica Richardson (William), and nephew Zack Christmas. 

Rick spent most of his life in the world of education starting with graduating from Ocean Springs High School in 1964. He continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi for his Bachelor degree and later went to University of Northern Colorado where he received his Masters and Doctorate. Though he didn’t stop there as his career was also in education working at Colorado Mountain College first, then at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College till retirement. 

In his spare time you’d almost always find him outside whether it was enjoying the view from his front yard, fishing, golfing or traveling the world with his wife. Through all of his travels Dr. Rick Christmas made friends everywhere he went. Saying he will be greatly missed by all is an understatement for all his friends and family. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until service time. A reception will follow services at 132 Pine Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.