Sheldon James Fountain, Sr.

Sheldon James Fountain, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, after a courageous battle with Emphysema. Sheldon was lifelong resident of Biloxi, MS, and retired to Pensacola, FL, in 2002. His heart was always in Biloxi and he enjoyed many visits back home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph Sherry and Edna Tiblier Fountain, brothers, Elvin Joseph Fountain (Buddy), Randolph Sherry Fountain Jr. (Randy) , Stanley Vincent Fountain, and sisters Mildred Bernadine Fountain Martino, Janice Patricia Fountain (Patsy). He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jessie Edna Hill Fountain, and children, Sheldon James Fountain, Jr. (Jimmy) and wife, Terry, Baton Rouge, LA. David John Fountain, (Davey) and wife Vickie, Gonzalez, LA, Kathi Anne Fountain Ortega and husband Mike, Gulf Breeze, FL and Cynthia Lynn Fountain (Cindy) Pensacola, FL. His sister, Margaret Mary Fountain Gilbert of Riverside, LA. Eighteen grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Sheldon was a carpenter by trade building custom homes throughout d’Iberville, Ocean Springs and Biloxi for over forty years including restorations of the Tullis Manor and Biloxi City Hall after Hurricane Camille. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and was a member of the Fleur de Lis Society, Carpenter’s Union and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His hobbies included fishing, throwing his mullet net, building model boats, dancing, going to the casinos, and watching the Saints play every game and cheering them on during their Superbowl victory this year. He was King of the Krewe of D’La Bay and enjoyed Mardi Gras festivities every year with his family. Visitation is Sunday, May 9, 2010, from 5 until 7 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Avenue, in Biloxi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:30 p.m., Monday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville, where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Steven J. Fountain, Kevin M. Fountain, Jeffrey M. Fountain, Jeremy L. Fountain, Christopher D. Fountain, David J. Fountain, Jr., Michael W. Fountain, Joseph R. Ortega, Anthony J Ortega, Matthew S. Ortega, Mitchell R. Ortega, Jeffrey W. Englehart Jr, Craig R. Englehart. Also honoring Paw - Paw in his services are his grand daughters, Alison B. Saucier, Jennifer Fountain Tolbert, Julie Fountain Ballew, Shelly Fountain Heeren, Stephanie Fountain Lorio. Even though he suffered for many years with Emphysema, he always had a big smile on his face and loved being surrounded by his family. The family wishes to express their thanks to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola especially Sheldon's nurses Sharon, Selena, Rachael, Sondria, Joan who gave such wonderful loving care. They are truly Angels of Mercy.