John "Johnny" McClelland Foretich

John “Johnny” McClelland Foretich, Jr. from Gulfport passed away on Monday, October 17, 2016 at the age of 69 from complications of Alzheimer's. Johnny was a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After his enlistment, Johnny joined his father in running Foretich Marine Contracting (FMC) on the MS Coast. FMC focused on marine transportation, salvage and the construction of ports, harbors and docks. Being an avid Jimmy Buffet fan, Johnny would often tell the story from his younger years when they were introduced while playing pinball in Biloxi. Many locals still recall the festive atmosphere when Johnny owned the Harbor Shop. He was an avid fisherman and a founding member of the Gulf Coast Fisherman's Tournament and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Big Game Fishing Club. He fished numerous tournaments locally and as far away as the Bahamas. Johnny also held a U.S. Coast Guard license. Johnny was always quick with his wit and to tell a joke or story. He enjoyed being around family and friends as well as golfing when he had the chance. He was preceded in death by his parents Captain John McClelland Foretich, Sr., and Rose Margaret "Tee" Rice Foretich and infant brother. He is survived by his wife, Gail S. Foretich, daughter Dawn Foretich Beatty (Brent) Land O Lakes, FL; stepdaughters Vanessa Craig and Kathryn Kimball from Winston-Salem, NC, stepmother Emma Dean Heflin Foretich, Aunt Mary T. Foretich. He is also survived by his siblings Sharon Foretich Smith (Terry), Jan Foretich Carter, Rose Margaret "Rosie" Foretich Gammell (John) from Citrus Springs, FL, Charles J. Foretich II (Susan) from Denver, CO, Charlotte Foretich Ryan (Chuck), Richard "Rick" R. Foretich (Tara), and stepsisters Melissa Heflin Peden (Bobby), Michele Heflin McMahon (Will), and Melanie Heflin Harris and many nieces, nephews and cousins. At Johnny's request, a celebration of his life will be held at the Tiffin Room, 809 34th St, Gulfport beginning at 5PM on Friday, October 21st. May God grant him fair winds and following seas on this, his final journey. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com