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Gary Hargrove Obituary
Gulfport
Gary Thomas Hargrove, age 64 of Gulfport, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020.
Gary was married with two children and six grandchildren.
He was a lifelong resident of Gulfport and graduated from Gulfport High School in 1973 and from MS Gulf Coast Jr. College in 1990. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of MS in Criminal Law. Gary also attended Louisiana State University for Fire Science and was an Instructor of Forensic Science at the University of South Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hayward and Jerry "Sue" Hargrove; his grandparents, Hayward Brickley Hargrove, Doris Minor, Augustus Woodcock, Mabel Woodcock, and Van Ladnier.
Gary is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; his daughters, Samantha Smith (Clay) and Danielle Collier (Nick); his grandchildren, Ostynn Collier, Ashlynn Collier, Tarynn Collier, Connor Robertson, Tyler Robertson, and Riley Ann Hargrove; and his brother, Samuel Jackson.
In 1975, Gary joined the Gulfport Fire Department and retired as a District Chief in 1996. During that time, he was also employed part time with Mobile Medic Ambulance Service from 1975 until 1985, part time with Harrison County Sheriff's Department from 1987 until 1995, and a Harrison County Deputy Coroner from 1985 until 1995.
Gary became a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic in 1980, MS State Certified Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic in 1980, MS State Certified Death Investigator in 1987, completed a 40 Hour Basic Law Enforcement Course in 1989, and completed the FBI Basic Death Investigation Course.
He was a member of the MS Coroner's Association from 1985 until Present, MS Division of IAI, MS Civil Defense Emergency Management Association, MS Deputy Sheriff's Association, MS State Trooper's Association, and MS Child Death Review Team.
In 1996, he was elected Harrison County Coroner and served until his retirement in 2020. He was a member of the MS Coroner's Association, where he served as Secretary/Treasurer for 3 years, Vice President for 3 years, and President for 3 years. Gary was the first Deputy Coroner when state law changed in 1986. He was also in the first Paramedic class in the State of MS from 1979 until 1981.
Gary attended the Mass Fatality Incident Response Planning at Kirkwood College in 2006, Hurrevac Training, FEMA and US Army Corp of Engineers in 2006, Disaster Management Interoperability Service, Department of Homeland Security, Grief Following Trauma, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inside the Tape, International Association of Identification MS Division, Death Investigation Conference, MORA, Threat and Risk Assessment Course, Dept. of Homeland Security State and Local Government Coordination Preparedness, Incident Commander of DMORT for Harrison and Hancock County in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, MS Governor's Homeland Security Conference in 2006, Natural Hazards Day, MS Emergency Management Agency in 2005, WMD Incident Management/Unified Command, Texas Engineering Extension Service, Disaster 101, MS Emergency Management Agency in 2006, National Incident Management System, NIMS/ICS 100-200 Train the Trainer MS Office of Homeland Security, National Incident Management System, NIMS/100, 200, 300, 700, 702, 800, and 1900, Emergency Management Institute, FEMA, Alabama/MS Hurricane Workshop-2006/2007, MS Mortuary Response Team Chairman, Certified Emergency Manager Level III, NIMS/ICS All Hazards Incident Commander, and Security Detail for US Presidents, George Bush and Gerald Ford.
He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Memorial donations made be made to the Gary T. Hargrove Scholarship Fund for Forensic Science, PO Box 2188, Gulfport, MS 39505.
A visitation for friends and family will be held from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2020, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. A graveside service will follow at Evergreen Gardens Cemetery, Gulfport.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Hargrove
Sponsored by The Sun Herald.
Joyce Pennington, RN
September 3, 2021
Deepest condolences to a man who gave so much so no one would be forgotten during that hurricane 16 years ago. Katrina. Kind soul. RIP God bless your family.
Steele
March 30, 2020
To the family I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. May our Creator of all things continue to be with you.
February 19, 2020
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a compassionate man, who will be remembered for his strong determination to make sure people had closure. May you find comfort and strength in God during this time of mourning.
February 16, 2020
To the Hargrove family. May you experience the same comfort that Mr. Hargrove brought to so many families that were victims of hurricane Katrina and may the God of all comfort strengthen you all knowing that he is the hearer of prayers.
Patty
February 15, 2020
We pray that the encouraging supportive words from folks on this site provide a little solace for each of you in the days, months, years to come. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with Mr. Gary Hargrove. In the days ahead throw all of your sadness, cries and anxieties on the Hearer of Prayers Almighty God who cares for you. Continue to seek emotional and spiritual support to get you through each second, minute, and hour of each day.
Friends
February 3, 2020
A truly remarkable man . May you have comfort and peace at this time
January 31, 2020
What a remarkable venture he completed. Its ones like him that makes ones have the continued respect. To the family of such a one, I am sorry regarding the loss of your loved one. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, during these difficult times.
Elizabeth Pendowski
January 29, 2020
You were the best of us..
Godspeed
January 26, 2020
January 26, 2020
It was wonderful of him to take on the task to make sure that all the victims had names to report to their families. He was very focused and dedicated to his work. My condolences to the family and may you have peace.
January 25, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Hargrove family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories of your loved one and Gods comforting words.
January 25, 2020
Gary's tireless effort brought closure and peace to many in his county. May the Hargrove family know that many appreciated his effort and our prayer is that you gain comfort during this most difficult time from the God who cares.
Michael C
January 25, 2020
I did not know Gary, but his works speaks loudly even now. May your many cherished memories and warm thoughts of others lift your hearts and spirit and May the God of all comfort strengthen and sustain you now and in the days to come.
Judy Dauro and Family
January 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hargrove Family on the loss of a very special man. Gary was a wonderful person and a long time friend of the Dauro Family. He will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Gary.
SHIRLEY COATES
January 23, 2020
RIP GARY HARGROVE
January 23, 2020
God bless
The Carters
January 23, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy to the Hargrove family for your loss. During this difficult time, may treasured memories, uplifting words from friends, and the many promises found in God's word strengthen you and comfort you each and every day.
Brenda Rhodes
January 23, 2020
Many Blessings to Mrs. Hargrove, his daughters and grandchildren and brother and his family. Gary will be missed by the Gulf Coast. We Loved him very much. I met him at the Collisium at a bike event. He had rode in on his bike. He was a sweet and compassionate man. I remember how he worked with very little rest after Katrina. He was so dedicated to helping us all. You are all in my prayers. I will never forget Gary. He's was a Angel here on Earth and now he is riding those clouds in Heaven to be with Our Father in Heaven.
George and Debi Payne
January 22, 2020
It's with heartfelt sadness we acknowledge Gary Hargrove's passing. We have know Gary and his brother, Tim (known to us as Timmy) for most of their lives, as well as their parents and our dear friends, Hayward and Sue. These young men made their parents so proud. No parents could have loved them any more. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary's wife, Susan, their daughters and grandchildren, his brother, Tim, family and friends. May God provide you with strength during this difficult time, along with comfort and peace now and in the days ahead.
January 22, 2020
Truly sorry for your loss, may God be with you at this time to give you comfort and strength as you go through this very difficult time of your loss.
Sue Adams
January 22, 2020
We have lost a great caring man,I knew him from my nursing career.He treated the patient with much loving care and respect.Rest in peace Mr.Gary.The coast will surely miss you. Sue Adams
C S
January 22, 2020
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Hargrove. He certainly did a admirable work to help others. May Your memories and the comfort God gives help you cope.
Sa
January 22, 2020
Mr. Gary Hargrove was truly a compassionate and inspirational man. Reading about how he worked tirelessly to identify the Katrina victims is heartwarming. I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Hargrove's family and dear friends. May the Father of tender mercies be with you and sustain you during this extremely difficult time.
Ramos Family
January 22, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort you all during this extremely difficult time.
The Staff of Riemann Family Funeral Homes
January 22, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Pat Morris
January 20, 2020
Heart felt condolences and prayers to Gary's family. He was a wonderful person, and a hard worker.
Donna Burton
January 20, 2020
wonderful man indeed . was so helpful with my mom passing in 2011 . prayers are with his family
January 20, 2020
Will remember Mr. Gary as the most kind &
compassionate human being - He will be missed! Dr. Linda Calhoun
Betty Ladner
January 20, 2020
Gary will be so truly missed!
January 20, 2020
Dear Mrs. Hargrove and Family; we are sorry to hear that your loved one passed away. Gary was a very nice person and he was very deciated to his services. God be w/ you and your family. Gary may you rest in peace. God bless the whole Hargrove family. Signed, the Insalaco family from Gulfport, MS.
January 20, 2020
Gary was a great man. Did his job with kindness and dignity. His concern for his fellow man was evident in the way he worked. Kind and friendly.
Brent Warr
Linda Holley
January 19, 2020
Sending prayers
Mark & Sarah Peduzzi
January 19, 2020
God Bless
January 19, 2020
Gary was a sweet, kind, considerate man who was always a pleasure to talk with. He did a hard job well and with perfect dignity.
Gail Nicholson
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