William "Bob" Allen

William “Bob” Allen Nix, age 90, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, April 27, 2015 at Ocean Springs Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1924, in Merigold, MS to the Rev. and Mrs. Pernell Ollie Nix. Bob was raised in Wiggins, MS. He played a season of football at the University of Mississippi until enlisting in the U.S. Naval Armed Guard as a Seaman First Class. During World War II, he was assigned as a naval gunner on merchant ships, the S.S. Thomas Payne and the S.S. Robin Tuck Ford. After the war, Bob lived in NY and NJ before returning to the MC. For 32 years, Bob worked as a driver for Spector Freight Systems. He finished out his career working another 10 years driving for Mallette Bros, retiring in 1989. He was a former member of Heritage UMC in D'Iberville, MS and a present member of St. Paul UMC in Ocean Springs, MS, East Campus. When dancing with the Magnolia Swingers, Bob fell in love at first sight with Cora. He was a gentleman and a very loving man who had a zest for life. He would talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere! Bob was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, David, P. O. Jr. and Louis; his first wife, Grace (Loveridge); and son-in-law Robert Allerot. Survivors include his loving wife, Cora; his children, Philip (Susan) of Pasadena, CA, Diana Allerot of Morristown, NJ, Karyn (Rich) Carrino of Baldwinsville, NY, and Melanie Nix of Freehold, NJ; his Jernigan family, Steven Jernigan of Theodore, AL, Charlotte (Bill) Matheny of Long Beach, MS, Rhonda Jernigan of Shelton, WA, and Cynthia (Scott) Jefferies of Theodore, AL; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Tina (Bill) Lipscomb and Maxine Nix; and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as friends near and far. Bob will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be on Monday, May 4, from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm, with a 12:30 pm church service, all at St. Paul UMC East Campus, Ocean Springs. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation and service. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. The OSC of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to The Lord Is My Help, 1205 Desoto St., Ocean Springs, MS 39564. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.