William "Billy" P. Strayham, Jr.

William (Billy) P. Strayham, Jr. of D’Iberville, MS went to his heavenly father, with his family by his side, on Sunday, March 3, 2013, peacefully at home in D’Iberville, MS. Mr. Strayham was born in Biloxi and has been a lifelong resident of D’Iberville. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Class of 1953. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 4 years until his honorable discharge in 1961, and was a previous member of the Mississippi National Guard. He spent his career as a printer, first with the Daily Herald (Sun Herald) for approximately 20 years, then Ingalls Shipyard, and finally at Keesler Air Force base where he retired after 15 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, and a long-time former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Men’s Club and a long term usher in the church. He volunteered many years for the St. Vincent De Paul Society where he worked many hours assisting the needy of the community. He was a previous member of the Knights of Columbus. He joined a weekly Prayer group which consisted of his friends of the “Notre Dame Class Of 1953”. Bill spent his life dedicated to his extended family, and was described by all that met him as a “Good Man”. Anybody that knew him knows that this life encompassed many fine attributes. He was devoted to being a moral, honest, fair and religious man. He was always concerned with others wants and needs, and never wanting to upset the other person. He always gave, never concerned about what he was giving. His example as a role model impacted and trickled throughout all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all that knew him. So many people have said about Bill, “I’ve only known a few good men, and he was one of them” or “He was a kind and gentle man.” Mr. Strayham was preceded in death by his parents William P Strayham, Sr. and Nicolena Radich Strayham; brother James (Jimmy) Strayham, and granddaughter “His Angel” Candice Maria Newman. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 55 years and “High School Sweetheart”, Hilda Seymour Strayham; His Brother Gerald Strayham; five children, Michael Strayham, of Wiggins, William L (Joan) Strayham , Stephen (Paulette) Strayham , Bernadette (John) Newman, and Andrew (LuLu) Strayham, all of Biloxi. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie (Corey) Baker, Jason (Mallory) Strayham, Joshua Swinford, Nicolas (Tracie) Strayham, Jillian (Wesley) Ladner, Brooke (Jared) Broadus, Justin (Ruby) Strayham, , Ivan (Jamie) Strayham, Hope (Keyton) Newman, Kahlee Newman, Brianna Newman, Shelby Strayham, and Joann Strayham; and great grandchildren, Ramsey Strayham, Ryleigh Merriman, Harper Ladner, Hunter & Audrey Baker, Dane, Brinley, & Bryce Broadus, and Brooklyn Pizzetta. He is also survived by his lovable dog, Candie. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the 6th floor staff at Biloxi Regional Hospital, Dr. Paul Pavlov, the staff of SAAD’s Home Health & Hospice (Scott & Cassandra), and to Brian Hinton for their compassionate care in his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill’s honor to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at 12:00 p.m. Friends may visit 10:30 until noon. Interment will follow at D’Iberville Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.