Paul George (P.G.) Bernheim, lifetime resident of Gulfport, died January 1, 2013 at his home in Gulfport, MS. His life will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, MS on Saturday, January 5, 2013. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Evergreen Gardens, Gulfport.
P.G. was born May 15, 1920, in Gulfport to the late Paul Bernheim and Georgia Mae Shirley Bernheim. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph B. “Dick” Bernheim of Gulfport, and his sister, Eleanor Bernheim Bass of Laurel, MS.
P.G. learned responsibility at an early age. At the age of 12 he learned to drive a car and daily drove his father to work at the family business (Bernheim Shirley Grocery).
P.G. was a graduate of Gulfport High School and attended Mississippi State University. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Sept. 19, 1941 and served his country for 4 years. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a Flight Engineer on a B-29. Upon returning from service, P.G. worked as manager for the H&H hotel until its closing in 1954. He was then employed by Ollie Shirley Enterprises, and in addition, worked at Jones Brothers’ Drug Store. In 1970, P.G.went to work for the City of Gulfport Housing Authority. He retired in 1984 as the Deputy Director of the Community Development Commision.
On March 7, 1943 he married the love of his life, Leonell Arceneaux, and together they raised nine children. He considered his family his life’s greatest joy.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Leonell (Lyn) Arceneaux Bernheim; by nine children, Stephanie Hebert (Harry) of Lafayette, LA, Lynn Irving (Bud) of Magnolia, TX, Paulette Garton (Jimmy) of Columbus, MS, P.G. Bernheim, Jr. (Machelle) of Madison, MS, Marsha Brown (Mike) of Pass Christian, Michelle (Mimi) McMath (Ben) of Diamondhead, MS, Nancy Reeves (Mike) of Columbus, MS, Amanda Buckley (Kevin) of Richmond, VA, and Peter J. Bernheim (Kaye) of Gulfport, 30 grandchildren, and an ever increasing number of great grandchildren, as well as an extended family that includes four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
The Bernheim Family wishes to thank the Staff and employees of Odyssey Hospice especially Jamie and Shelanda and also the Staff and employees of Home Instead.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Saint Vincent De Paul Society, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com