W. E. "Wild Bill" Knesal, Sr.

W. E. "Wild Bill" Knesal, Sr., 83, of Biloxi, MS died on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 in Biloxi. Mr. Knesal was a US Army Veteran of WW II where he received five battle Stars, including the Battle of the Bulge. He drove a tank from St. Lo, Normandy to Belgin, Holland, France and Germany. He was owner/operator of Bill Knesal Contractor from 1971 until his death. He also served as a VA Compliance Building Inspector from 1972 until 1995. He was an Insurance Adjuster from 1947 until 1971. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, President of the Homebuilders of MS Coast in 1982 and former President of the MS City Lions Club. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Woolmarket. Mr. Knesal is preceded in death by his parents, David C., Sr. and Clara Darscheid Knesal; brothers, David Knesal, Jr., Joe Knesal; sisters, Christine, Margaret, Catherine and Marie. He is survived by his wife, Betty Bujarski Knesal; two daughters, Rebecca Ruth (Robb) Walt of Aurora, CO, Barbara Clare (Keith) Knesal Levine, Gulfport, MS; three sons, William E. (Candy) Knesal, Jr., Robert Joseph "Bobby" (Rhonda) Knesal, Barry David (Amanda) Knesal all of Gulfport, MS; eight grandchildren, Kate, Sarah, Geoffrey, Jarrod, Mark, Brent, Caroline, Knox; brothers-in-law, A.W. Bradley of Little Rock, AR, M.R. Godwin of Heber Springs, AR and his "Girl Friday" Patricia Dukes of Gulfport. Many nieces and nephews and his faithful grand-dog, "Petey". Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th St., Gulfport from 5:30 until 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October, 4, 2008 at 2:00 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Woolmarket where friends may call one hour before Mass. Interment will be held on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 10:00 am in Biloxi National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to: St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 8343 Woolmarket Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532 or St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy, 735 Division St., Biloxi, MS 39530. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Ave. is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book @www.bradfordokeefe.com