Robert Alonzo Fayard

The day after his 84th birthday Robert, “Bob”, “Rock” Alonzo Fayard III, of Ocean Springs, MS passed into the promised care of his savior Jesus Christ, having placed his faith and trust in Him. Robert was born on January 18, 1937, in Biloxi, MS to R. A. Fayard and Joan Ella Broussard Fayard. Robert grew up working under the tutelage of his dad at Leckich and Fayard Seafood Co., Inc. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1955 and earned a B.S. degree in accounting and business administration from the University of Southern MS in 1960. At Southern he was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, professional business administration fraternity, and the University band. Robert retired from a 32-year civil service career, having worked for the U.S. Air Force at Brookley AFB in Mobile, AL; NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL and the U.S. Navy at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS; retiring as a Contracting Officer in 1994. Following that retirement, he went back into the seafood industry. After his father passed away, he and his siblings operated R.A. Fayard Seafood Co, Inc. for several years. Robert was a dedicated husband and father whose life exemplified his faith. He served as a coach in youth sports when his children were participating in t-ball and flag football. Serving in his church, First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs was a joy in his life. He served in many capacities over the years: deacon, Sunday school teacher, sanctuary choir, handbell choir, trustee, and kitchen worker for men’s ministry taking his young son with him for a time, and later years weekly church wide meals. Robert also led a weekly men’s bible study in his home for many years. Robert was an avid bowler also, bowling the first 300 game in league bowling at Gaude’ Lanes on Keesler AFB and; later being elected to the MS Gulf Coast Bowlers Hall of Fame. He participated for 37 years in the annual ABC (later USBC) Open Championships held throughout the U.S. Robert also enjoyed playing golf locally and in the annual PGA National Amateur Golf tournaments. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 1 sister, Jo Ann Martin. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Geraldine Shepard Fayard; daughter, Angela Fayard; son, Robert Fayard IV; and 1 brother, Michael D. Fayard; all of Ocean Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs building fund, or wait until the later memorial service. Due to Covid-19 the family is having a private funeral. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date once conditions improve. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the Fayard family.