Joshua Paul Rachal

Joshua P. Rachal, of Biloxi, Mississippi, lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, October 1st, 2017 at the age of 34. Born in Hamilton, Bermuda, he spent the majority of his too short life in Biloxi, MS where his family still resides. Having graduated from Mercy Cross, he continued his education at MGCCC (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) in his pursuit of an advanced degree. Throughout his college career he was active in the MGCCC Choir and the Computer Lab Gaming Club. As an avid gamer, he enjoyed everything from video games to table top gaming and even Live Action Reenactment through the local chapter of SOLAR (Southern Organization of Live Action Reenactment). Joshua was also an outdoor enthusiast, who liked to hike, kayak, and visit the lake with his fiancée. As a devout Catholic, and aspiring Knight of Columbus, Joshua was a long time parishioner of the Our Lady of Fatima parish before moving to Hattiesburg Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Joshua was also a connoisseur of fine whiskey and craft beer; however, to offset that, he was always up for a good conversation and time with friends and family. Diagnosed with Colon Cancer in early 2015, Joshua put up a long, hard battle that was ultimately lost at the Methodist University Hospital of Memphis, TN. He is preceded in death by his father, James Rachal; his paternal grandmother, Glenda Benefield; his uncle, Johnny Rachal; his maternal grandparents, James and Trinidad Gilbert and grandfather A.J. Lopez; his uncle, Tony Lopez; and his brother, Tyler Garrett Rachal. Joshua is survived by his mother, Trinidad Lopez of Biloxi; his sister, Trinidad (Justin) Smith of Biloxi; his nephew, Roman Smith; his stepmother, Glennis Rachal of Denton, TX; his fiancée, Elizabeth Tate of Biloxi; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, October 9th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531, under the guidance of Father Paddy Mockler and Father Henry McInerney. Friends may visit one hour prior. The family has given direction that all friends and families bring pictures and memorable stories of Josh to be displayed.