Joseph Dwayne Plylar

With a heavy heart, our family announces the passing of Joseph Dwayne Plylar, loving known as “Joey” or “JoJo”. The Lord received him on April 5, 2026 from his home with his wife, Lorna, by his side.

Joey was born on September 3, 1960 in Biloxi, MS to Clara Louise Suarez Plylar and Thomas Christian Plylar, Sr. He was the youngest of eight children, five sisters, Marion “Bae Bae” Parker, Patricia “Pat” Dimmett, Sharyn Williams, Virginia “Ginger” Rhodes, Theresa “Ter Ter” (Rocco) Ascenio and two brothers, James “Bubba Jimmy” Burton Plylar Stok and Thomas “Tom Tom or TC” Christian Plylar Jr.

He leaves behind his wife, Lorna Kay Plylar; his son, Christopher “Chris” Matthew Plylar; daughter, Sara Louise Plylar; two stepsons, Shane Cole and Jarrod Cole; and a stepdaughter, Laura Cole. The joy of his life were his grandchildren, Logan Plylar, Leyton Plylar, Parker Plylar, Ronin Plylar, Shane Cole, Jace Cole, Treson Cole, Mikah Cole, and Jimmy Cole; his granddaughter, Tianna Will; and a wonderful family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and way too many friends who he considered family.

Joey has been reunited with his grandson, Peyton “Batman” Christopher Plylar; his mom, Clara; his dad, Thomas; his brothers; and his brothers-in-law.

He was a larger-than-life presence along the coast. Strong, outspoken, and fearless in everything he did. He never hesitated to speak his mind or stand up for what he believed in. That bold spirit sometimes led to wild, unforgettable moments and the occasional brawl. That fiery energy was simply a part of who he was, and it left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

For over twenty-five years, Joey took pride in his work repairing vehicles as an autobody mechanic. The best on the coast. In his free time, Joey found joy in life’s simpler pleasures like listening to music, sitting on the beach, soaking in the sun, listening to the waves, and relaxing with a cold beer while staring out at deer island in remembrance of his father who tragically died at sea. He loved watching the sun set and rise over the water. He loved star gazing and animals, especially his two cats, GiGi and Ollie and his two dogs, Cool hand “Luke” and Ellie Mae.

A die-hard New Orleans Saints and LSU fan through and through. He lived and breathed every game with an unmatched passion, loyalty and a possible parlay or two, with lots and lots of WHO DATS and constant reminders of paid off referees.

He was deeply devoted to his family, extended family, and a wide circle of friends who became family of the years. His home was always open, his table full, and his hugs generous.

The world feels gentler and a lot quieter without his booming voice and bigger than life presence, but the memories we hold will keep his spirit alive. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this profound loss and celebrate the full passionate life he lived.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit two hours prior.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Joseph Dwayne Plylar.