Gary K. "Butch" Noble

Mr. Gary K. "Butch" Noble, age 62, died peacefully at home on Monday, November 10, 2008, surrounded by his wife and children.

Butch was a native and lifelong resident of Vancleave. He always said there was no where on earth he would rather live. He was the youngest of four children born to the late Hollis Noble and Leola Tootle Noble. His tough guy attitude earned him the nickname, "Butch" at an early age. Butch was raised on the banks of Old Fort Bayou. He never outgrew his love for swimming, fishing and crabbing in those briny waters. He delighted in introducing his children and later his grandchildren to all that beautiful old waterway had to offer. Butch married the love of his life, Louise Quave. Their marriage vows included her three children by a previous marriage and from that day forward they were permanently a family. Butch was retired from Northrop Grumman. He was a member of Graceland Baptist Church and the Ezel Masonic Lodge #426 F & AM. He was a former coach and past president of Vancleave Dixie Youth Baseball. He and his good friend Kenneth Cole were responsible for installing the first lights on the Vancleave Baseball Youth fields. Butch was always ready to lend a helping hand and helped many clubs and organizations over the years. In his later years, he and Louise enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home and attending Blue Grass festivals. Butch was an active member of AA for many years and credited them for saving his life. He encouraged anyone who had an addiction to seek their help. Working the program was a daily part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donnie Jo Noble Thompson.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Quave Noble, brother, Keith (Shirley) Noble and sister, Sherry (James) Noble Fleming, all of Vancleave, daughters, Ruby "Tut" (Tom) Dodson of Ocean Springs, and Sheila (Danny) Lawrence, son, Vince (Melissa) Goff, and aunt, Viola Noble Delancey, all of Vancleave, grandchildren, Amber Wyrick Clark of Tulsa, OK, Seth Lawrence and fiancee' Danielle, of Mobile, AL., Heath McCrory also of Mobile, AL, Jake Lawrence and Alicia Goff, both of Ocean Springs, Tyler Smith and Blaine Goff, both of Vancleave, five great-grandchildren, fifteen nieces and nephews, one special great-nephew, Joseph Foune of Vancleave; and his beloved dog, Saul.

Pallbearers are all members of his high school graduating class at Vancleave. Performing the services will be Elder Larry McMillan, who is a lifelong friend and also married Butch and Louise, and former pastors Brother Tom Byrge and Brother Jimmy Willy.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., at Graceland Baptist Church in Vancleave. On Friday, November 14, 2008, there will be an 11 a.m. church service. Burial will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.