Thomas Wink Peresich

Thomas Wink "Tom" Peresich gained his eternal rest on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Ocean Springs, MS, at the age of 64.  Our sweet Tom will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kind/loving ways, and his huge heart of appreciation.  To know him was to love him, and the many precious memories he leaves behind are a testament to that.

Tom was born on June 18, 1959, in Biloxi, MS, and was the youngest of the nine children of Doris May Wink Peresich and Eugene Adam Peresich, Jr.  He attended parochial and public schools in Biloxi and graduated from Biloxi High School with his treasured Class of 1977.  His times in the Biloxi Indian Marching Band and sailing with his friends at the Biloxi Yacht Club (former Junior Commodore) were very special to him.  After high school, Tom attended MGCJC in Perkinston, MS, the hometown of Keri, who would become his beloved wife.  He graduated with an Associate Degree in Accounting in 1979.  Tom completed his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

In 1983, Thomas Wink married Keri Leigh Clement at St. Peter's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in Gulfport, MS.  Tom and Keri's family grew with the addition of their 2 wonderful sons, Ryan and Justin; 2 sweet daughters-in-law, Brittany and Lauren; and 3 precious grandchildren, Cecilia, Jackson, and Katherine.  Being a father and grandfather was Tom's superpower, and he loved spending time with family.  Tom found great joy in coaching bowling and baseball for the kids and touched the lives of many young people as a role model and mentor.

Professionally, Tom spent the last 25 years as a member of the Merchants and Marine Bank family.  He served as Assistant Vice President and Banking Secrecy Act Analyst with his office at the main branch in Pascagoula, MS.   He had worked as a night manager at Ocean Lanes Bowling Center between 1990 and 1998, where he made many lasting friendships.  Tom also had the chance to know many in the fishing/shrimping industry through his work at Biloxi Fish Net Company.

After growing up in Nativity BVM Catholic Church, Tom was blessed in his adult life to be able to share his love for the Lord through helping teach Sunday school, ring bells with the children, assist with children's/youth events, and serve as an usher at St. Paul United Methodist Church.  He most recently joined Ocean Springs United Methodist Church with the joy of being a founding member.

Tom's hobbies included woodworking, sailing, bowling, and walking/bike riding.  Tom certainly had a special glow on bowling nights and cherished the times with his special bowling buddies.  Winning league championships gave him great joy, but it was the connection to the people that made him most happy.  Tom had the great honor of being inducted into the Jackson County USBC Bowling Association Hall of Fame in March of 2018.

Thomas Wink was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Eugene Adam Peresich, III; and his sisters, Carol May Peresich and Janice Ann Peresich.  He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Keri Leigh (Clement) Peresich; his sons, Ryan Thomas (Brittany) Peresich and Justin Michael (Lauren) Peresich; and his grandchildren, Cecilia Ann Peresich, Jackson Michael Peresich, and Katherine Ellis Peresich.  He is also survived by his siblings; Doris Wink Cunningham, Joseph George Peresich, Robert Lynn (Carmen) Peresich, Mark Lee (Madelyn) Peresich, and Linda Marie (Mitch) Long along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Ocean Springs United Methodist Church (8900 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs, MS 39564).   Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. with a service to follow at 11 a.m.

Our family would like to give our sincere thanks to those who so lovingly cared for Tom and those who prayed for him or supported our family in any way.  Memorial tributes can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, Ocean Springs United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.  

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Thomas Peresich.