Michael John Gandour

Dr. Michael John Gandour, 66 years old of Gulfport, Mississippi, died Thursday, December 31, 2020 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Michael was born on November 10, 1954 in Sistersville, West Virginia to his parents Jackson Gandour Sr. and Mary Gandour. After Michael lost his father to cancer when he was only seven, he and his mother moved to South Florida to be closer to family. Michael was shaped by his mother’s intelligence and tenacity and the memory of his father’s kindness. A brilliant student, Michael attended medical school at the University of Miami after only three years of undergraduate education. He completed his residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Michael worked for over 20 years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a Pathologist and co-partner of South Coast Pathology Services. He belonged to national and local Pathology societies and served on the medical staffs of Memorial Hospital in Gulfport and Garden Park Care Center. He was a member of the Gulfport Gridiron Club, a charter member of the Coast Wine Society, and a member of the New Orleans chapter of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. Michael loved books, golf, competing with his brothers in the family’s yearly horseracing competition, and rooting for his three favorite football teams: the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints, and the Miami Hurricanes.

Michael is survived by his children, Lilyana and Jackson Gandour; former spouse and recent caregiver, Teri Strauss Gandour; his three siblings, Jackson (Mary Jane) Gandour Jr., Richard (Jill Kiecolt) Gandour, and Regina (Ben Edwards) Gandour-Edwards; his nephew, John Bowlus; and his nieces, Rochelle Gandour-Rood and Molly Gandour. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jackson and Mary Gandour; and his niece, Aimee Gandour.

Framed in Michael’s study is a copy of his beloved father’s obituary, which poses the question, “How do you measure the worth of a man when he goes?” The author concludes that while there is no true way to measure one’s worth, “perhaps the best measure of the true worth of a man when he is no longer with us is the void which he left behind.” Like his father before him, Michael Gandour’s passing has left a gaping void in the lives of his family and friends. With bright blue eyes and a big laugh, Michael had a smile for everyone. He was a brilliant pathologist, but had no ego in his work, and engaged in lifelong education. He loved his children without reserve, supporting them in every endeavor. His heart, humor, kindness, and unconditional love will be missed, every day.

Heartfelt and special thanks to Teri Strauss Gandour, the Gingras Family, the Fitzgerald Family, the Muths Family, Sunny Ladner, and the staff at The Cottage at Bay Cove. Your constant love and support of Michael mean more than words can express.

Due to the pandemic, the memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, and/or The Cottage at Bay Cove (staff fund), 670 Bay Cove Drive, Biloxi, MS 39532.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi, is honored to serve the Gandour family.