Coach Eddie Ladner

Eddie Ladner, 73, a legendary athlete and coach, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025. A dedicated mentor, leader, and friend, Eddie's legacy as a coach, educator, and fierce competitor will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Eunice Ladner, and siblings Burt Ladner, Grant Ladner, Leland Ladner, Vernon Ladner, Cliff Ladner, and sisters Janelle (Joe) Bates and Alice (Jimmy) Ladner; brother-in-law Gerald (PeeWee) Cuevas and cousin Joyce McLemore.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Renee (Rutland) Ladner; children Allison (Chris) Kern, Jennifer (Andrew) Nowlin, Cherie Maggard, and niece Kaycee (Scott) Orvold; and grandchildren London and Scarlet Kern, Myles and Jack Lawrence Nowlin, Noah Favre, and McKenna Odom Pratt. He is also survived by siblings Roland (Janelle) Ladner, Carolyn Fay (Grant) Ladner, Diann (Cliff) Ladner, Judge Diane (Vernon) Ladner, Elsie Cuevas, and Judy Ladner, as well as a large extended family and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Eddie was baptized in the Catholic faith on June 16, 1951, at Our Lady of Good Hope in DeLisle, MS. On April 5, 2015, he rededicated his life to Christ at FBC Lyman. Eddie diligently read his Bible every day. His best friend, Robby Walters, gifted him a new Bible to aid in his study of scripture.

Born and raised in Hancock County, Eddie graduated from Hancock North Central High School in 1969. He earned an athletic scholarship to Southeastern Baptist College, graduating in 1971, and then went on to Mississippi College on another athletic scholarship, graduating in 1973 with a B.S. Degree in Science in Education.

Eddie began his coaching career at Harrison Central High School, where he served as the basketball and golf coach as well as a health, safety, and driver’s education teacher for 28 years. Alongside his trusted assistant coach, Larry Fry, known as ‘The Dynamic Duo,’ Eddie helped build the Red Rebels Boys Basketball team into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, the team made three state tournament appearances, winning the state championship in 1982.

Eddie’s success on the court was a testament to his discipline, competitive spirit, and his unwavering belief in his players. He guided Harrison Central to five Gulf Coast Conference Championships, four South State appearances, and a State and Overall title in 1982. His excellence in coaching earned him the Babe McCarthy Coach of the Year award and the Mississippi Sportswriters Association Coach of the Year honor. Eddie was proudly inducted in the 2017 Class of the Gulfport Sports Hall of Fame.

Eddie always credited his success to the guidance of his high school coach, Roland Ladner, and mentors Van Chancellor, Jackie Laird, and his assistant coach, Larry Fry. But beyond the accolades, Eddie was a coach who loved his players deeply and strived to instill in them the knowledge and wisdom to succeed not just on the court, but in life. He was a fierce competitor and a coach who cared about the well-being and future of every one of his players.

Harrison Central High School held a special place in Eddie’s heart. To him, the administration, faculty, and staff felt like family. He was grateful for the opportunity to come to work every day.

While Eddie had a passion for coaching and his athletic accomplishments, it was his love for playing golf and spending time with his friends that brought him immense joy. Above all, the center of his life was always his family—his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and the countless nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He cherished every moment spent with them, and his love for his family was unwavering.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Vital Caring Hospice, Pass Oaks LLC and staff, and Barbara and Steve Bullard of D’Iberville, who became their family over the past year and a half and were his primary caretakers during his final days.

The family would also like to thank First Baptist Church Lyman and the Benevolence Committee, and Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home for assisting with the final arrangements.

Visitation will be Friday, March 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church Lyman from 5:00-8:00 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 9:00-11:00 am also at First Baptist Church Lyman. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. The service will be streamed and recorded for later viewing on the Facebook page, First Baptist Lyman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to FBC of Lyman Backpack Ministry.

Eddie’s legacy will forever be remembered, not only in the victories of his teams but in the lives he touched and the lessons he imparted to so many.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Coach Eddie Ladner.