Billy "Joe" Carmichael

Billy “Joe” Carmichael was born December 4, 1933, in Carmichael, Mississippi, and died Saturday, March 18, 2017, peacefully at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Mississippi, with his loving family by his side at the age of 83. Joe was a 1952 graduate of Carmichael High School. He received an Associate Degree from Jones County Junior College, a Bachelor of Science from William Carey University, and a Master of Education from the University of Southeastern Louisiana. Additionally, he had the required hours for AAA Certification in Education. Being a fierce competitor and a talented athlete, he excelled in tennis, ping pong, basketball and baseball. This talent earned him scholarships to Jones County Junior College and William Carey University. This led to a career in education that spanned 37 years. As a teacher, he loved being in school and interacting with students, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for learning. As a coach, he never wanted to lose a game, and his teams were recognized as fair players, but seriously competitive. He was named Coach of the Year many times during his career and was respected by the different conferences where his teams participated. Over those 37 years, he was a teacher, coach, and school administrator. He began his career at Carmichael High School, Carmichael, MS. Later, he taught, coached, and was a school administrator in Tylertown, MS. After moving to the Gulf Coast he worked in the Ocean Springs and Pascagoula School districts and retired as the principal at Gautier Junior High School in 1993. Joe was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gautier. As long as his health permitted, he faithfully attended church and served his Lord and Savior. He participated in activities in his church in Tylertown and Gautier in many capacities including: Sunday School Teacher, Church Lay Leader, Usher, and as a member of the Administrative Council. Before his health failed, he enjoyed attending The Gautier Methodist Men’s Club and cooking grits for them. Joe is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ezekiel and Blanche Wimberly, and Dawson and Sallie Carmichael; his parents, Clyde Carmichael, Ora Carmichael-Thompson, and stepfather Percy Thompson. Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nadine; two children, Stacy Joe Carmichael and his wife Stacy (Moffatt) Carmichael of Ocean Springs and Michelle (Carmichael) Gandy and her husband, Jerry L. Gandy of Papillion, Nebraska; his six granddaughters, whom he adored and loved more than life itself: Meaghan, Meredith and Mallory Gandy, Caitlin, Abigail and Amelia Carmichael; his great-grandson Wyatt; and numerous cousins and friends. As he loved to teach and compete, he passed that along to his grandchildren. He showed them the joy of family as he sat around the big kitchen table and played cards, dominoes, and games. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Gautier from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a 1:00 p.m. service. Interment to follow the services. Pallbearers include C.L. Ates, Larry Chandler, Thomas O. Moffatt, Sr., Charles Munn, Roger Simnicht and Mike Strief. Honorary Pallbearers include Richard McCaskey, Jack Mangin, Ken Arceneaux, and Don Trigg. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula for their wonderful care the many times that he was hospitalized during his illnesses. A special thank you to his wonderful caregivers Minnie Willis and Jean Ricks, and his nurse Jodi Morrow. A special thank you to Dr. John DeGroote who was his physician for forty years. He took care of him, even making home visits, the last one on the day before he died. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Gautier, Mississippi. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.