Samuel Smolcich

Mr. Sam Smolcich, 71, of Ocean Springs, MS., died Sunday, January 29, 2006, at his home in Ocean Springs. Sam was born on December 16, 1934, in Biloxi, MS., to the late Joseph and Francis Cvitanovich Smolcich. He was a member of the Slavic Benevolent Association (Slavonian Lodge) which he dearly loved, where he shared good times with good friends. He was a member of the Biloxi Elks and served as Biloxi's Shrimp King in 2000. In his early years, he was a shrimper and was co-owner of one of Biloxi's first steel hulls, the "Nana". He worked and captained many shrimp vessels. He also worked in the offshore oil industry for years and retired from Amerada Hess Corporation. Sam was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. His love for the water came from his life on the gulf and he wished to become a part of it for eternity. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Vincent (Vick) Smolcich and Anthony Smolcich. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elba, of Ocean Springs, son, Sammy Smolcich and fiancee Cindy Collisi of Vancleave, daughter, Maria (Jay) Hindmarch, grandson, Chris Hindmarch, granddaughters, Jessica Hindmarch, of Spring, Texas, and Miranda Hindmarch and Fiancee, Michael Lancon of Ocean Springs and beloved great-grandson, Dylan Butler, brothers, Joe (Anna) Smolcich, Steve (Pat) Smolcich, sister, Matilda Barry, all of Biloxi, MS., sister, Melrita (Marvin) Raesner of La Marque, Texas, sister-in-law, Aurora Smolcich of Ocean Springs, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 2, 2006, from 10 - 11 AM, with an 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial, all at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. A private burial service will be held by the family. Heartful and a special "thank you" is extended from Sam's family to the Ocean Springs Hospital staff, especially to Mary Ainsworth, Dr. Clarkson, and everyone involved in his care. Thank you is also extended to Saad Home Health and especially to Hospice of Light for all the special care and compassion. In lieu of flowers the family expresses donations be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, to St. Judes, or to the American Cancer Research Society. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.