William "Mike" Michael Supple

William Michael "Mike" Supple 80, beloved husband of Frances and father of Jenny Supple, departed this earth April 7, 2024, in Gulfport, MS, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. "Mike" was born August 1, 1943 in Hartford, CT, to William F. Supple and Eleanor Viets Supple (Taylor), and grew up in East Granby, CT, around multiple generations of pre-colonial heritage. He was preceded in death by his father, William F. Supple; stepfather, Charles F. Taylor; half-sister, Linda Davant; and his grandparents. 

He developed his love of animals, nature, literature, music and sports as He grew. He graduated from Suffield High School, Suffield, CT in 1962. Ever the patriot, Mike joined the United States Air Force immediately after graduation. A "renaissance man," he got his pilot's license, SCUBA certification, FCC License, Red Cross Certification for life saving and CPR, Lifeguard Training, while mastering chess, and cards, before meeting his "forever partner" at a square dance while stationed at a former special base in Lincoln, NE. Mike and Fran married in 1965, and were transferred to Minot, ND. Mike proudly served many bases to include Udorn, Thailand during the Vietnam Era. His longest and final assignment was at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS, where he retired after 26 years of service.

Mike's strength, charm, and sense of humor were a few of his best tools in life. Mike was an instructor during his military career and throughout his life. He started his business, Mike's General Service, before retiring from USAF. Following Hurricane Camille and it's destruction, He saw a way to make a difference and help others. Over the years, his business continued to expand to cover a variety of jobs, such as shallow wells, cutting trees, removing bees, disposal of a variety of items, specialized work with bobcats and equipment and demolition.

Mike's dedication to doing a job right was only matched by his love for his wife, Frances, family and friends. He enjoyed square dancing, the satisfaction of working hard, as well as telling stories and jokes. He loved animals, especially his Long Horn Cattle, Donkeys, and Cats. His intellect, sharp wit, warm smile, generous spirit, and authenticity set him apart.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Von Seggern Supple, daughter, Jennifer Lee Supple, mother, Eleanor (Viets) Supple Taylor, half-sister Ronda (Matt) Grimes, twin half-brothers, Terrell (Danelle) Taylor, Fredrick (Olga) Taylor, aunt, Joan Supple Gause, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 2521 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531; Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, C/O Donor Support Center, P.O. Box 937, Frederick, MO, 21705-0937; or your favorite charity.  

A memorial service will be held May 4, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church with visitation at 2:00pm and the service at 3:00pm.  Interment TBD.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road, Biloxi, MS, is honored to serve the family of William Michael “Mike” Supple.