Harry J. Schmidt

Dr. Harry J. Schmidt, Jr., 76, of Biloxi, died Monday, April 22, 2013, in Ocean Springs. Dr. Schmidt was born in New Orleans on October 5, 1936, and was raised in Convent, Louisiana, until moving to Biloxi in 1945. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Biloxi, the University of Notre Dame, and Tulane University School of Medicine. After completing his residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans Dr. Schmidt served as a physician in the US Army at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1969, Dr. Schmidt returned home to Biloxi and practiced internal medicine at the Schmidt Clinic with his father and two brothers. He retired in 2005. Dr. Schmidt was an active member of the Nativity BVM Cathedral Parish. He served on various boards and committees for the Diocese of Biloxi, Nativity Elementary School, and Mercy Cross High School. He played an active role in bringing Amserv, full-time professional ambulance service, to Biloxi. A lover of the water, he was a long-time member of the Biloxi Yacht Club where he raced Lightnings and Fish Class boats. He was a Life Member and Past King of the Order of Mithras Carnival Association. Dr. Schmidt was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Ann Baltar Schmidt; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Harry J. Schmidt, Sr.; and his brother Dr. Robert J. Schmidt, Sr., all of Biloxi. He is survived by two daughters, Julie M. Schmidt of Biloxi, and Patricia B. Schmidt of Houston, Texas; his son, Harry J. Schmidt, III, (Jennifer) of Ocean Springs; two grandchildren, Ainsley and Hudson Schmidt; and his brother, Dr. Richard C. Schmidt of Biloxi. Visitation will take place at Nativity BVM Cathedral in Biloxi on Thursday, April 25, 2013, beginning at 9:30am. A funeral mass will follow at 11am, and a graveside service will take place at Biloxi City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nativity BVM Cathedral or to the St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy in Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com=