Willliam Gladden

William Don (Bill) Gladden, age 79, of Ocean Springs, MS died on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at his son’s home in Ocean Springs. Mr. Gladden was born in Bridgeport, IN on February 11, 1932. Bill lived his early years in Pine Village, IN and Americus, GA. He attended Perdue University, where he played in the Million Dollar Marching Band, and graduated from Auburn University. Mr. Gladden also served 2 years in the U.S. Army before beginning a long career with the Social Security Administration, serving as Regional Administrator in Atlanta, GA and District Manager in Gulfport, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Mildred McMurtry Gladden and stepmother, Lois Heald Gladden; and wife, Machi Turner Gladden. Bill will be deeply missed by his sons, John William, Ceres, CA and Jason William (Jennifer), Ocean Springs; daughters, Claudia Sue (Jack) Cochran, Hughston, CA; Julia Ann Campanelli, Washington, D.C; step-sons, William (Kim) Turner, and step-daughter, Cindy Turner Miletich; brother, John McClelland (Rebecca) Gladden, Cordele, GA; and sisters, Marjorie Ellen (Bud) Moore, Hot Springs Village, AK; and Mary Jo (Bruce) Crawford, Hogansville, GA. Mr. Gladden was an avid hunter, boater, and fisherman, and also enjoyed his large family. He had three grandsons, Jack, Jr. and Aaron Cochran, and Richard Hayes; one granddaughter, Lisa Hayes Duckworth; one step-grandson, three step granddaughters, nine great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends and his dog, Nick Nick. He was a life-long member of the Christian Church and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 28 years. His generosity and compassionate spirit was well-known among his family and friends. Visitation will be on Saturday, May 7, 2011, from 1 pm until 3 pm, with a 3 pm chapel service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Gulf Coast Hospice, 5703 Gulf Tech Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (228) 327-1343, ? or Alcoholics Anonymous, 3407 Shamrock Court, Gautier, MS (228) 497-0690, Ocean Springs Meetings Ocean Springs MS View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com