Eric Arnold Lightner

Eric Arnold Lightner, age 80, resided in the City of D'Iberville died peacefully at home on September 8, 2025.

He was born on April 29, 1944, in Biloxi, Mississippi, and was a lifelong resident of D'Iberville — formerly known as North Biloxi. He graduated from D'Iberville High School and went on to build a life rooted in hard work, community service, and love for his family.

Eric was a welder by trade. In the early years of his career, he traveled across the country honing his craft before eventually settling at Ingalls Shipbuilding, where he worked until his retirement. Beyond welding, Eric was also involved in the metal scrapping industry and supplemented his income — and fed his adventurous spirit — by shrimping and crabbing along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and into Louisiana aboard his boat, which he affectionately named Hope Alexis.

Dedicated to his community, Eric served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of D'Iberville for more than 28 years. He approached this role with the same integrity and generosity that defined every area of his life.

Although he enjoyed many things, Eric's favorite pastimes included fishing, playing video keno, watching Fox News, and sharing meals with friends and family. A proud and patriotic American, he flew the American flag every day and always took care to bring it down before a storm — a small but meaningful gesture that reflected the deep respect he had for his country and the symbol of its freedom.

Eric never met a stranger. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and was known for opening his home and heart to others. During the holidays, he often invited people without family nearby to join his celebrations, believing that everyone deserved to feel a sense of belonging. Selfless in every way, he was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear.

Above all, Eric’s greatest devotion was to his beloved wife, Judy. She was his heart, his partner, and his priority — and he would have walked through fire to care for and protect her. As he went to his final home, Eric did so with the peace of knowing that his love and legacy will continue to be honored by the family and friends who cherished him.

Eric is predeceased by his parents, Elgin C. Lightner and Clarice Trocesshett Lightner, Brothers, David Lightner, Robert "Bobby" Lightner, Kevin Lightner, Sister, Elizabeth Lightner, and daughter, Adrianne Lightner Platt, and furry, pampered companion of many years his dog, Sampson.

He is survived by his wife, Judy J. Lightner, son, Scott (Angie) Lightner, Sisters, Mary F. McMahan, Christine Cabaniss, Janice Johnson, and Ida Wilhelm, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a grand dog named, Precious, who lived in his home as a furry companion to his wife Judy. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, too numerous to name, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who offered support during Eric’s prolonged illness. Whether through visits, phone calls, meals, help with cooking and cleaning, or any other act of kindness, your generosity made a profound difference. Each gesture played a vital role in helping Eric and Judy fulfill his final wish — to pass peacefully in the sanctuary he lovingly called home. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his closest unnamed friends, whose lives were deeply touched by Eric's companionship — a presence that now leaves a quiet space in their hearts.

Lastly, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and compassion shown by Hospice of Light and Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life with friends and family will be held at a later date.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Eric Arnold Lightner.