H. F Fountain, Jr.

H. F. "Buddy" Fountain, Jr., 86, of Ocean Springs, died June 5, 2011. Buddy was born and raised in Biloxi and was a retired architect, having practiced for 55 years on the Coast. His design work consisted of over 500 projects, some of which include the Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Singing River Hospital System, old Biloxi High School, Biloxi Public Safety Complex, Jefferson Bank and the Windjammer Condo. Prior to his retirement, he was the oldest practicing architect in Biloxi. Buddy graduated from Biloxi High School in 1942, where he was a member of the basketball team, band, and student council. Later that same year, he joined the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater on board the USS Portland (Sweet Pea). He served as Quartermaster until the end of WWII. Following the war, the USS Portland made two trips to Europe to bring home American Troops. During his stay in the Navy, he received eight bronze battle stars- from Tarawa to Okinawa, and two Philippine Liberation Stars. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. After the war, Buddy worked with his father at the Westerguard Boat Works on Lee St. In the fall of 1946, he enrolled at LSU and finished in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. While at LSU, he married Gloria Swetman in 1950. Buddy also played drums in Lee Fortier's Dance Band and in a combo at venues across the coast including; Gus Stevens, Ballerina, Joe Simons and Gulf Hills. Besides being a talented musician, he was an excellent cook and fisherman. Following graduation from LSU, Buddy served his three year apprenticeship with Smith & Dawson Architects in Gulfport. In 1955, he opened his office at the Barq's Building. He later moved his office to Gulf Towers and eventually to Fountain Square, which also included his restaurant; The Fountain. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; Mr. Henry and Edmee (Thensted) Fountain, his former wife, Gloria Swetman Fountain, two sons; Sean and Taylor Fountain, brother; Stanton Fountain, Sr.; and grandson, Tanner Fountain. He is survived by his wife, Rhoda Fountain; two sisters, Gerry Blessey and Jean Kridle; his seven children, Valri Crosby (Ron), Kim Kennedy, Craig Fountain (Dixie), Dama Fountain (Royce Osborn), Wendy O'Connor, Kelly Fountain, and Lori Clark (Jeff); his twelve grandchildren, Ryan (Christy), Myles, Elizabeth, and Gloria Crosby, Anna and Caroline O'Connor, Nija and Seth Fountain, Holly Letort (Mike), Claire and Harrison Fountain, Finnen Clark; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Letort. He will be dearly missed by all. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 1:00 pm where friends may visit from 11:00 am ~ 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Southern Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society: www.svdbiloxi.org.