Walid T. Damlouji

Walid T. Damlouji, age 76 of Laurel, MS, died on Monday, October 9, 2006 at the Regency Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. He was a longtime resident of Laurel, MS and a friend to all he met, he was affectionately known as ""Wally'' to his many friends. Wally was born on February 17, 1930 in Mosul, Iraq, and grew up in Baghdad. He came to the United States to attend Kansas State University, where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree and became a naturalized citizen. While attending college he met his wife of 55 years, Janelle. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Laurel, where he was deeply involved in his church until his death. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He had been in the food service industry for over 40 years, and after moving to Laurel in 1961, he founded Mid-South Industries which later became ThermoKool Walk-In Manufacturing. He later sold that business and started a manufacturers representative firm, W.T.D. Associated that still operates today. He remained active in his business and was an avid stamp collector until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, Col. T.S. and Miriam Damlouji; and a sister, Nuthar Umary. Mr. Damlouji is survived by his wife, Janelle Brittain Damlouji of Laurel, MS; sons: Jameel Damlouji and wife, Gerry of Shreveport, LA, Mark Damlouji of Gulfport, MS and Paul Damlouji of New Orleans, LA; daughter, Janine Damlouji Knibbs and husband, Robert of Vanclave, MS; three sisters: Suha Al Rawi, Maha Orfali and Huda Sharief; and granddaughters: Danielle Damlouji and Layne Kidd. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2006 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Laurel, MS. Burial in Lake Park Hills Cemetery, Laurel, MS. Father Michael Thornton will officiate. Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, Laurel, MS. Pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 833 West Sixth Street, Laurel, MS 39440, the Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 2671, Laurel, MS 39442, or the charity of donor's choice. MEMORY CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME is in charge of the arrangements.