Ronald Thomas "Ronnie" Nungesser

Ronald Thomas “Ronnie” Nungesser, 89, of Biloxi, MS passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 in Biloxi.

Ronnie was born on November 19, 1935 in New Orleans, LA to George and Hazel Nungesser. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1954. Notre Dame provided a very strong positive foundation that supported him through the hard times and kept him humble and thankful during the good times throughout his life.

In 1956, Ronnie proudly served 2 years in the United States Army in Korea and retired from the MS National Guard after 20 years of service. He supported the humanitarian efforts in Biloxi after Hurricane Camille. He was a true patriot and American.

On July 29, 1960 Ronnie married the love of his life, Jenell Theresa Bosarge. They were married for 57 years. They spent their time in Gulf Shores, AL and enjoyed the Mardi Gras season. They devoted their life to their children in providing them a solid foundation for life. Their message was to work hard for what you get, and no lying, cheating, or stealing. Their home was always the home where the other kids spent the night and hung out. They created a family environment where everyone felt secure and safe.

Ronnie was an avid bird hunter, primarily dove and quail hunting. He was an animal lover. At one point, he had 6 quail dogs. He also enjoyed shrimping. He used to go out on opening day with his friends and load up the freezer. He loved football and actually received a partial football scholarship to Perkinston. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan even through all of the up and down seasons.

Ronnie primarily spent his entire working career at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS for 38 years. He started out as a cable puller and rose to the ranks of Director of the Pipe department where he had a team of 500 shipmates building great ships for the United States Navy. He felt a need to be able to serve his country in an another way - shipbuilding served that purpose for him. He loved the people that he worked with and his humble personality created friendships for life. Even after he retired from Ingalls, his sons, George and Johnny, had to let him know what was going on at the shipyard.

He always saw his job as being the provider for the Family and set a foundation for opportunity for his children in life. He and Jenell succeeded.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life for 57 years, Jenell Theresa Bosarge Nungesser; his daughter, Gena Ann Nungesser Collins; and his brother, Robert Luke Nungesser.

Ronnie’s survivors include his children, George (Angela) Nungesser of Biloxi and Johnny (Mary) Nungesser of Biloxi; his grandchildren, Mary (Jason) Bates of Church Hill, TN, Steven (Jillian) Powell of Long Beach, MS and Robert (Katie) Nungesser of Ocean Springs, MS; and six great-grandchildren.

The Family would like to thank the team at The Blake in Biloxi and SAADs Hospice Care for their emotional and professional support they extended Ronnie and his family during this trying time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at D’Iberville Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include Robert Nungesser, Steven Powell, Lee Stokes, Greg Bosarge, Joey Bosarge and Mark Matta.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ronald Thomas “Ronnie” Nungesser.