Harold Dean Atwood

Harold Dean Atwood, Sr. (75), of Gulfport, Mississippi, died on Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2014, after a fierce fight with cancer. Harold is preceded in death by his parents, H.V. and Myrtle Valentine Atwood; and a brother, Jerry Atwood. Harold is survived by his dear wife of 45 years, the former Mary Nelda Pody (“Nelda”). He also leaves behind a loving son, Harold Dean Atwood, Jr. (“Dean”); daughter-in-law, Marie M. Atwood; and grandson, M. Corbin Atwood, all of Gulfport. Harold’s daughter, Melissa K. Atwood (“Misti”) makes her home in Birmingham, Alabama. And his sister, Sylvia Kay Atwood (“Kay”), resides in Laurel, Mississippi, Harold’s home town. Although not born on the Gulf Coast, Harold considered Harrison County to be “home” after settling here in 1975. Ever the entrepreneur, Harold was self-employed in the petroleum construction industry for over 25 years, operating for decades under his beloved company name of Atwood Enterprises, Inc. In his semi-retirement, Harold still loved using his tractors and heavy equipment, and he transitioned into doing part-time land-clearing and excavation work. Harold was an immensely talented musician, and he loved to sing gospel music. Music was his life’s passion, from his youth in Laurel to his later years in Gulfport. Harold is and will continue to be greatly missed, but his family is grateful that their grief is not without hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) They are sure that they will see him again in the presence of their Heavenly Father. The funeral for Harold will be held at New Hope Baptist Church on Landon Road in Gulfport on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. The viewing will be immediately before the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. He will be laid to rest in Hoover, Alabama, early next week. The family prefers memorials to Gideon’s International, 16232 Hanson Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.