Richard "Dick" Smith Waller

Richard Smith Waller (Dick) passed away February 19, 2024, at the age of eighty in Ocean Springs, MS. 

Born in Birmingham, AL on October 4, 1943, Dick moved to Ocean Springs in 1967. He graduated from L. Fraizer Banks High School and received his BS degree in Biology from the University of Montevallo (Alabama College). After graduating, he took a position as a marine biologist at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. Over the next 35 years, Dick worked on many projects surveying the sea life of the Mississippi Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. A dedicated environmentalist, Dick made important scientific contributions to wildlife conservation in Mississippi’s bayous and estuaries, the Sound, and the Gulf.  

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He loved his family and friends and was always ready to help with whatever was needed. His grandchildren were his greatest pleasure, and he was always bragging about them and sharing pictures. He was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Ocean Springs. 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, William A Waller Sr. and Ruby Katherine Waller, and his sister-in-law, Jacky Rogers Waller. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Edna Waller; his brother, William A Waller II; his daughters, Christa Waller and Katie Waller (Jason); his son, Michael Waller (Amy); and his loving grandchildren, Marian Waller, Joseph Waller, Linden Waller, Teddy Reed and Lily Reed.  In addition, he is survived by many devoted nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, you may contribute to the fundraiser for Teddy Reed’s (Dick’s beloved grandson) medical procedure in June. You can donate at   https://gofund.me/f4012ac0

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 2:00pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. Friends may visit one hour prior. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Richard Waller.