Benjamin Patrick Nowell

Benjamin Patrick Nowell, age 23, of Hattiesburg, walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 21, 2015. Ben was born in Gulfport, MS, December 9, 1991, to Pat and Rita Nowell of Biloxi. He recently graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Marketing where he was a proud alumni of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Ben was an avid lover of the outdoors and could be found camping and soaking up the sunshine at music festivals on the weekends. His free spirit and caring personality was infectious and could be felt by all that knew him. Some of his favorite moments were spent with his girlfriend, Shelby, and their two cats, George and Luna. Ben will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was the kind of guy that anyone would be proud to call son, brother, and friend. Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Icie Earl Nowell and his maternal grandparents, James Alonzo Palmer and Willie Mae Palmer. He is survived by his parents, Pat and Rita Nowell; brother, Nick Nowell and his wife Heather; two sisters, Brandi Nowell and Talor Harlow and her husband Kyle; and grandmother, Edna Nowell. He is also survived by the love of his life, Shelby Palmeri; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Pines Animal Shelter, 1901 N. 31st Avenue, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39401. Funeral services will be 12 noon Saturday, April 25, 2015, at First Baptist Church in Biloxi where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.