James Donald Viator

The last of a generation of Viators is gone.

James Donald Viator, age 92, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at his home in Biloxi, MS.

Don was born on April 30, 1932 to the late Joseph Avite Viator and Laurence Lachaussee. He was a native of Biloxi, MS where he attended Notre Dame and Biloxi High and participated in football and boxing. He was a Golden Glove Boxing Champion. 

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fresh-water fishing, golfing and bowling. Don bowled several perfect “300” games and traveled across the country participating in numerous Professional Bowling Association tournaments. He was invited to join the ABC (American Bowling Congress) Master’s Bowling tour. 

In the 1920’s, the Viator family moved to the Gulf Coast from Erath, LA and established Viator’s Cash Grocery stores, and Don worked at the Biloxi location as a youth. With his extensive experience, he went on to have a successful career as Manager of Winn Dixie stores along the Gulf Coast and retired after 30+ years. After retirement, Don worked part-time on Keesler Air Force Base at the bowling alley and golf course. 

Don was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Church where he served as a greeter and usher for many years. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, visiting the sick at Biloxi Memorial Hospital and helping the needy. 

Don is preceded in death by his wife of 70+ years, Mabel Louise Dalzell and siblings, Warren, Phillip, Doris, Regina, Jake, Grace, Elizabeth and Joe. Survivors include his 3 daughters, Donna Hughes, June Wilkerson and Denise Tancredi; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 6 great great-grandchildren. 

The family is so thankful for the love and support from Vital Caring and appreciates the special care given. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caregiver, Carla Hayes. 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Donald Viator.