Harold Orthello Mong, Jr

With great sorrow we announce that Harold Orthello Mong, Jr., 64, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, Biloxi VA Palliative Care following a brief battle with cancer.

Born on May 10, 1962, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Harold was the son of Harold Orthello Mong, Sr. and Marjorie Hovis Mong Kay. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1981.

Harold fulfilled his lifelong dream of serving in the U.S. Army Infantry. During his distinguished 20-year military career, he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Mannheim, Germany; and Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He served in the Gulf War and the Kosovo U.N. peacekeeping forces before retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He later spent seven years in Iraq as a civilian contractor training Iraqi soldiers.

A former member of the Masonic Temple and the Biloxi Krew of the 7 Seas. Harold and his wife, Dian McKaig, proudly served as King and Queen during the 2025–2026 Mardi Gras season. He loved hunting, fishing, playing cards, watching his nephews wrestle, and spending time with family.

Harold was a devoted patriot whose kindness, generosity, and unwavering compassion touched everyone who knew him. He believed in second chances, championed the underdog, and quietly served others without seeking recognition. His steady faith, resilience, and sense of humor defined a life well lived.

On May 26, 2023, he married the love of his life, Dian, and made Biloxi his home. He is survived by his wife; numerous family members including: his grandchildren Izaiah and Aubri Mong, Jaxon Wilcox; sisters Renee Gilhousen-Reade (Michael), and Kristen Myers (Richard); stepdaughters Yssa McKaig and Dhiana Skrmetti, his beloved dog, Bubba; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a plethora of friends he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road in Biloxi. A graveside service will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Back Bay Mission, 1012 Division Street, Biloxi, MS 39530.

The family would like to acknowledge Charles Jacocks, MD, oncologist with Keesler US Air Force Medical Center, and the 4th floor staff of 4-D Med/Surg for their wonderful and compassionate care.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Harold Orthello Mong, Jr.