Arthur J. "Shorty" Gros, Sr.

Arthur J. “Shorty” Gros Sr. entered into the Church Triumphant on September 11, 2016 at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Jean Gros; sister, Florence Bennett. A.J. Gros is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie Gros; his sons, Arthur J. (Sherry Lynn) Gros Jr., Paul (Leslie) Gros, Kenneth (Cindy) Gros, and Tommy Gros; sisters, Anna Lee (Leo) Miller and Delores (Steve) Wells; 7 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. A.J. Gros was a resident of Ocean Springs for 47 years. He was born in New Orleans Louisiana on August 3, 1940. He grew up in Chalmette Louisiana surrounded by a very large close knit family with 14 aunts and uncles and more cousins than one could count. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy. He served for four years active duty from 1957 to 1961. During that time of service, he served on Two Heavy Cruisers; the U.S.S. Saint Paul, and the U.S.S. Helena. He made multiple West Packs, one of which was involved in military action during the Formosa crisis. Most importantly, while stationed in San Diego, CA, he met the Love of his life, Bonnie Vanderheyden. They were married and had 4 boys. He was Honorably Discharged on August 4th 1963 Rank SFM 3. While living in the San Diego Area, two of his favorite pass times were Desert camping and spending time on the beautiful Southern California beaches. These excursions were always and without exception family outings. Not only was he hard working, he knew how to play hard. In all things, his family came first. His lifelong love of ships guided him into the Shipbuilding Industry. He worked at National Steel and Shipbuilding in National City, California until 1969. In 1969, he picked up his wife and four children moving them all the way across the Country to work at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Part of the decision was made on account of the opportunity promised as a result of the newly expanded yard; in truth, it was to be close by his father, Abby Gros, who died of Cancer only four short years later. There was no looking back A.J. had a love for his family, his Country, his community, his church and pretty much everything southern, especially his music. He always carried a tune. He raised his 4 boys instilling in them the virtue of honesty and hard work. And work they did. As a 47 year member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church, he spent many years working on the property committee. Saturday mornings would find all four of his boys working in the Church yard. Often he would recruit and involve many of the young boys from out of his neighborhood. He had a great love for gardening and landscaping. Once again, A.J. was not all about just working. Weekends would also find him fishing with the entire family and often times with friends and neighbors. He didn’t have money for fancy boats and fishing tackle. The old Highway 90 Biloxi Bay Bridge, Zebco reels and a dozen crab nets were all that were needed for a great day with friends and family. Neighborhood BBQ’S New Year parties and many Weddings were thrown in A.J.’s back yard. A.J. Gros knew how to throw a party and all had a good time. To sit in his beautiful but simple back yard and visit A.J, with his calm and light hearted way of conversing, most considered a simple but relaxing reprieve. While at Ingalls Shipbuilding, he was involved in every aspect of the shipbuilding process. Most of his 21 years at Ingalls were spent in some level of Management in the Hull (Shipfitter) Department. He was beloved and respected by his peers as well as his workers due to his hardworking nature and uncanny since of fairness .He was affectionately known by all as “Shorty Gros” many knew him by no other name. Two notable accomplishments were the renovation of the U.S.S. Iowa and putting the U.S.S. Stark back into service after being hit by a Chinese silkworm missile while patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. After leaving Ingalls in 1990, he tended his garden and his grandchildren. For 5 years, he volunteered many hours and received several awards from the Y on Government Street in Ocean Springs. He worked as a physical trainer for seniors who had suffered from heart attacks or strokes. He also dedicated time to Ocean Springs Chapter #0042 of the American Legion. Anytime he felt there was an injustice in the world he would be quick to notify Trent Lott, John Stennis, or Gene Taylor. Truly, the world will be a poorer place without A.J. Gros. A funeral service will be held at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Monday, September 19, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs.