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Ralph Autrey Obituary
1928 ~ 2014
Ocean Springs
Ralph Paul Autrey, Sr. (aka "Curly," "Cowboy", and "Pa-Pa"), age 85, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away on June 20, 2014, from a sudden accident at his home.
Ralph was born in Garland, Arkansas, on July 19, 1928. He graduated from Texarkana High School and attended the University of Arkansas. He was a lifelong Razorback fan and active alumni of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Ralph served in the United States Military, in both the Army and Marine Corps, and was a Korean War veteran. He received a bachelor's degree from McNeese State University. He was born and raised a Methodist and was a lifetime devotee.
He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Hurst Autrey; his parents, Ernest and Blanche Autrey; his brothers, LeRoy and Harry Autrey; and, his sister, Marilyn Autrey Masse.
Ralph leaves behind his loving wife, Jonnie Hurst Autrey; his son, Ralph Paul Autrey, Jr.; his son, Stephen Wayne Autrey and his wife Sally; his daughter, Ann Autrey Jones and her husband John Kevin Jones; three grandchildren, Tyler Moore Kostal (Ryan), Anthony Paul Wisdom Autrey, and Megan Elizabeth Jones; a stepgranddaughter; and countless friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Ralph was a very loving father and generous provider for many.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be held at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs, MS, on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Veteran memorial graveside service will be held at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Veterans Avenue in Biloxi, MS on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 9:00 AM.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Ocean Springs Hospital ER and MICU for the treatment, care, and hospitality shown during this trying time. Ralph would have been grateful for the excellent care he received. Also, many thanks to Dr. Corey McNamee for his relentless efforts.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Autrey
Timothy Leary
June 24, 2014
I worked with Ralph in the early 70s at Diamondhead, and stayed in touch for some years after. Great guy, always positive and a great sense of humor.Glad rhat I had the pleasure to know him.
June 24, 2014
Ann and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Ann Blue
June 23, 2014
Ann, Steve, Paul, and Jonnie, Linda, I, Michael and Karen are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a very special friend to me. He always treated me with such respect and love he was like a father to me. He was only the real substitute grandfather Michael and Karen had and I know they loved him very much as well. I know the Angels in Heaven will water his grave with the tears of all those who loved him.
To Ralph,
Thank you so much for being my friend. I will always cherish the memories we had together both on and off the golf course. I will never find anyone like you and it breaks my heart. I will not say good bye old friend, just so long until I join you in Heaven to tee off for eternity. I promise not to burn day light.
Love you always Lennie
Genny Halstead
June 23, 2014
So sorry for your loss Ann Jones and family. (((Hugs))) and prayers
June 23, 2014
Ann and Family,
My deepest sympathies for your family during this time. I'm praying for you all.
Jennifer Budinich (Ocean Springs, MS)
Gray Eargle
June 22, 2014
One of the best friends a person could have. He'll be missed by many. Gray Eargle
Jenny Odom
June 22, 2014
To Mrs. Ann, Mr. Kevin, Tyler, and the rest of the family, I am so sorry to hear this news and my prayers go out to u. Mr. Autrey (Pa-pa) was a good man and will always be remembered. Tyler, you were my best friend growing up, so he was always my Pa-pa too. One fond memory I have of Pa-pa is him always answering the phone by saying, "yello?" That always made me laugh. Rest in Peace Mr. Autrey.
Bill & Rosie Cromer
June 22, 2014
We are confident that you are now resting in comfort and peace with your heavenly kindred, Ole' Friend. You are surely gonna be missed by those you left behind.Your friendship was of great value to both Rosie and I. Save us a place for when God says to us, Come Home. Bill & Rosie
DR. James Duke
June 22, 2014
We have been friends for over 60 years, my three children called him "Uncle Curley". Rest in Peace.
Tom Ellison
June 22, 2014
Dear Ann and Kevin,
Please accept my sympathies on your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with you and know that if you need anything I will be glad to help. Your father seemed like a very unique person and will be missed by all.
Billy Sutton
June 22, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I have lots of good memories of my time with Curly.
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Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Ocean Springs911 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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