Jolly Eugene "Buddy" Pickle

Jolly Eugene “Buddy” Pickle, 82, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on July 11, 1943, in Morton, Mississippi.

Buddy’s life was defined by his passions, his dedication to family, and his remarkable spirit. He loved antique hot rods and classic cars, and most weekends could be found at car shows enjoying the roar of engines and the craftsmanship of a well-loved classic, especially his treasured 1956 Chevy. Gardening was another joy of his, and he was known far and wide for his green thumb. Some of his fondest moments were spent cruising in his classic car, watching his grandchildren at their sporting events, savoring a glass of wine, and taking in a quiet sunset at the beach.

As the son of a U.S. Air Force officer, Buddy’s childhood was filled with adventure, moving with his siblings from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Tainan, Taiwan, and eventually graduating from high school in Selma, Alabama. These experiences shaped him into a man of adaptability, curiosity, and quiet confidence.

Buddy’s technical brilliance found its home in the U.S. Navy, where he excelled in every field of study. He specialized in electrical engineering and maintenance on the Navy’s F-4 Phantom aircraft—a role that showcased his precision, intelligence, and dedication. This expertise later fueled a long and rewarding career designing and building cable television networks across the South, beginning with the historic installation of the first cable TV system in Long Beach, Mississippi.

Buddy was known for his quiet charisma, intelligent humor, and irresistible charm. He was a man of calm, introspective resolve, and those who knew him were inspired by his gentle strength and thoughtful nature.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cathy Tirrell Pickle; his children, Justin E. Pickle (Amy) of Orlando, Florida, Jennifer Pickle Dyer (Chris) of Cumming, Georgia, and Chelsea D. Tully of Biloxi, Mississippi; six cherished grandchildren, Pride, Sanders, and Lane Margaret Dyer, and Bennett, Morgan, and Sutton Pickle; and two siblings, Melba Pickle Johnson Caldwell of Flora, Mississippi, and Dwight P. Pickle (Vicki) of Houston, Texas.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Hubert Jolly Pickle and W. Fay Pickle.

Above all, Buddy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His life was a testament to the quiet joys, steady determination, and love that defined him. He will be remembered with deep affection and admiration by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral Services will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on 15th Street in Gulfport on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 12:15 pm. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jolly Eugene “Buddy” Pickle.