Joey Fountain, Jr.

Elvin Joseph “Joey” Fountain Jr., 77, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed peacefully into heaven Sunday, March 2, at The Lighthouse Memory Care. Born September 5, 1947, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Elvin Joseph Fountain Sr. and Itaska Broome Fountain, Joey’s life was marked by his unwavering love and passion for the Lord, his family, missions, and serving others.

The Lord was his anchor and strength (Hebrews 6:19) and he was an anchor for his family, church, and community.

Joey was not only a fisherman who loved the waters, but he was also a devoted "fisher of men." He lived out the call of Jesus to spread the gospel and share God’s love with others. He inspired others to follow Jesus just by being himself and being an authentic example of living in Christ. 0ne young man said, “I can honestly say that the way Joey loved his family truly changed my life and outlook on being a husband and father, for which I will be forever grateful.”

Joey was known for his unselfish heart and willingness to serve. His kindness, generosity, leadership, and contagious smile touched countless lives. He was always a gentleman, a quiet but steadfast leader, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer guidance. He was a role model to all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of humility, love, faith, and good stewardship of his resources.

Joey’s love for his family was limitless. He was the proud husband of Terry Price Fountain; father of Kate Fountain English, father-in-law of Gregory Howell English and grandfather of Mary Howell English Windham (and her husband Drew), Grayson Haddox English, and McCarty Price English. His joy was watching his grandsons play sports and his granddaughter dance, never missing an opportunity to support them in every season of their lives. He was a constant presence at sporting events and dance recitals, cheering them on with a humble, gentle spirit.

A man of deep faith, Joey served as an elder at Cedar Lake Church, co-chaired the National Day of Prayer in Ocean Springs with his wife Terry for 15 years; organized and led 10 Cedar Lake mission trips to Mexico as well as mission trips to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Gatlinburg and Virginia; was a founding member and board member of Wesley United Methodist Church; served as chairman of the Secretariat of the South Mississippi Methodist Cursillo; and led many men’s small groups and Bible studies. Every morning, he could be found at the dining room table reading his Bible (his treasured possession), filled with highlights and notes that spoke of his devotion to the Lord.

Raised in Ocean Springs, Joey graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1965, where he was a proud member of the varsity football team coached by Hugh Pepper. It was also during these formative years that he met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Terry Dixon Price. Together, they shared 54 years of marriage, and a beautiful life filled with faith, joy, and love. Joey served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to Vietnam during the conflict there, a testament to his dedication and sense of duty. After his service, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1973, embarking on a successful career at Ingalls Shipbuilding where he retired as Director, Supply Chain Management, after nearly 40 years of service. Joey was also a member of the Ocean Springs School Board and served as President.

Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin Joseph Fountain Sr. and Itaska Broome Fountain and brother-in-law, Bill Price. He is survived by his wife, Terry; daughter Kate; son-in-law Greg; grandchildren, Mary Howell and husband Drew, Grayson and McCarty; brother, Gregory Vincent Fountain and wife Betty; sisters-in-law, Sherry Price, Jan Johnson and Penny Price; aunt, Pat Knecht and husband Den; and a multitude of Fountain and Broome cousins and family.

A celebration of Joey’s life will be held on Monday, March 10, at his family’s church, First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, with a visitation at 1:00 pm and a service at 2:00 pm where family and friends will gather to honor a man whose love for the Lord, family, friends, and community knew no bounds.

Joey's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire those who were blessed to call him friend, husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. Joey lived his life like an anchor, steadfast in his love and devotion to God, his family, and his community. Even in the face of health challenges and adversity, his faith remained unshaken. Hebrews 6:19 reminds us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Joey’s unwavering faith was a testimony to this truth, and it will continue to anchor and inspire all those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the Fountain family prefers that donations in Joey’s honor be made to any of the following ministries that were near and dear to Joey’s heart: The J Grief Center, 7512 Tapp Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or Helpings Hands-Cedar Lake Church, 11555 Cedar Lake Road, Biloxi, MS 39532 or The Windy Gap Helene Relief Fund at windygap.younglife.org 

The family is especially grateful for Lighthouse Memory Care and Notredrame Hospice, who provided support and loving care to all of us.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Elvin Fountain, Jr.