Steve Dyess

Steve Dyess, 70, of Ocean Springs, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 2, 2017. “Brother Steve,” as he was known by many, was a humble and faithful Christian all of his life. He was born on March 16, 1947 in Robertsdale, AL and was a graduate of Vancleave High School. There, he served as the class president and was an accomplished athlete, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track. Steve was instrumental in the success of Belle Fountain Baptist Church, where he served its members and his community as a deacon and founder of the Children’s Church Program, which he established in the early 70’s. He was a pillar of strength and unselfishness, and touched thousands of lives with his faith and gentle nature. His legacy is one of extraordinary dedication and service, and he was quick to share his faith with those in need. If the doors of his beloved Church were open, Steve could be found there. He was gifted in construction and assisting with repairs, and was the “McGyver” of the Fontainebleau Community for many years, helping anyone who asked, without hesitation. He never shied from a hard day’s work. He volunteered countless hours as a coach, umpire, and referee nurturing young people in sports and healthy development. He began working at Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1966 and happily retired after 41 years of service. He never met a stranger and was highly regarded as a model worker and friend. Steve enjoyed their large extended family, and loved being outdoors, whether he was working or enjoying watching his kids and grandkids play. He was an avid fisherman, and rightfully earned the family nickname of “Bull Minna’,” a reference to his bait of choice while trolling in Graveline Bayou from dusk until dark. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Matilda Dyess. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Glenda, their eldest daughter, Stephanie Brown, Sons Doug (Michelle), and Glenn (Nicole), all of Ocean Springs, and their youngest, Julie (Chris) of Brandon. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Logan (Jessica) and Payton Brown, Preston McDonald, and Katie, Reese, and Luke Dyess. He also leaves one great granddaughter Sadie Brown. Steve is also survived by his loving siblings, Fred (Virgie) Dyess, Cecil (Shirley) Dyess, Katie (Leroy) Waldrop, Venda (Harry) Mohler, and Inez (Jimmy) Tingle and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Wednesday evening, April 5th at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. A brief visitation will be from 10-11am on Thursday, April 6th with services beginning at 11 at Belle Fountain Baptist Church with interment following. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Gideon’s at www.gideons.org in order to purchase bibles. Special thanks go to the many caretakers of Southern Hospice and Home Instead Healthcare that enlightened his path.