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James Larson Obituary
Aug. 15-1937 - Sept. 16, 2015
Gautier
James W. "Billy" Larson passed away on September 16, at the age of 78. He graduated from Pascagoula High School and the University of Southern MS, where he was a quarterback on the 1958 undefeated football team. Billy earned his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees from USM and served as a First Lt in the US Army. He taught at USM for 25 years. Billy did not dwell on his accomplishments but strived to make each new day better than the last.
Billy was an avid fisherman and a master craftsman, building a home on Belle Fontaine Beach where he would later retire and spend his final years on the coast where he enjoyed the things he loved.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Clair May Larson; brothers, Francis E. Larson and Victor E. Larson. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Westphal Larson of Gautier, MS ; three children, Lorri (David) Sonnier of Batesville, AR, Lance Larson of Pensacola , Fl, and Lana Dean of Orlando, FL; 10 grandchildren, John David, William, Sister Mary Clair, Louis, Annie, Thomas, Anthony, Caroline, Christina, and Catherine; and a sister, May Larson.
Visitation will be held Sunday , September 20, 2015 from 6-8 pm at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home with Rosary recited at 6pm. Funeral Mass will be held, Monday at 12:30pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gautier, MS. Interment will conclude at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Benedict Center, P O Box 1000, Still River, MA 01467
Those who would like may express their condolences online at www.obryantokeefe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Larson
September 25, 2015
Coach Larson was such a great teacher. Prayers for all family.
Kathryn Kelton
Steve Sizemore
September 22, 2015
Lana,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Your Dad was a great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
Marcie and Larry Mote
September 21, 2015
Larry and I are so sorry to hear that Billy has passed away. We have such fond memories of him especially when we were dating and first married and shrimped with Mother and Charley Webb down at the fish camp in Gautier. Those fun nights of playing cards, telling stories, and eating freshly cooked fish were some of the highlights of our life! Please know, Barbara, that we are thinking of you now and I pray that God will give you peace and comfort in the upcoming days and weeks. This was a great man and he will truly be missed by many!
September 21, 2015
Praying for you all. I really loved this great man and teacher. Peace & Love, Linda Vasquez
September 21, 2015
We are saddened by your loss, please know our prayers are with you at this sad time. The God of Comfort (Ps. 83:18) will be with you at this sad time. Sincerely, The Bonds Family
Karen Stennis
September 20, 2015
It was an honor and a joy to have known Dr.Larson !!
I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
The Staff of O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home
September 20, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Hoss Massengale
September 19, 2015
A great parent and man who will be missed. Great memories of our discussions of the Friday night football games. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Larson family. You're all in our prayers!
Hoss Massengale and family
Steve Bosarge
September 19, 2015
Dear Barbara and Family,
Heartfelt condolences on Billy's passing.
Many years and distant moves have passed since our childhoods, but I've long remembered memorable times enjoyed with Billy in childhood... at OLV where he superbly quarterbacked our pee-wee football teams, at his Lake Avenue home where many Saturdays and summer days we played "Tarzan" in the dense woods & vines west of his home, trying to ride Connie the calf in her pen behind his home, snake-hunting at a nearby swampy pond, being scared at spooky Halloween parties his parents held in their home, etc. I have often shared the warm memories with friends. Like countless others, I am truly saddened by your great loss.
Steve Bosarge
Gulfport MS
September 18, 2015
Barbara,
Ray and I want to express how sorry we our for your loss.
The years we spent done on beach blvd. will always be a special time that will remain in our hearts forever. Both of you are the finest kind of friends and oh buddy, will he be missed. Love you always Pam and Ray Jaillet..
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O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gautier3290 Ladnier Road P.O. Box 1738, Gautier, MS 39553
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