Leeward "Bugga" Danise

Leeward “Bugga” Danise, age 87, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 25, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on December 3, 1937, in Biloxi, he was a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Bugga dedicated his life to his country as a proud Sergeant First Class (Mess Sergeant) of the National Guard, and as a devout and faithful parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Bugga’s life was marked by his service to others and his country. He answered the call to serve in the National Guard at the age of 17, eventually ascending to the rank of Sergeant First Class and later deploying to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus for St. Alphonsus Catholic Parish who was passionate about dedicating his life to his faith and sharing His message. Outside of his passions, Bugga worked for more than four decades as a traveling pipefitter to provide for his family. Those who knew him best, knew that he was a no-frills man who said what he meant and meant what he said.

Bugga was preceded in death by his parents, Mae Higginbotham Danise and Oris “Shorty” Danise, siblings, Nora Wyble, James “JT” Danise, son-in-law Richard Timmons, granddaughters, Melissa and Tiffany Timmons, and his beloved wife of more than 54 years, Mary Inez Danise.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Opal (Drake) Girouard, two children, Darren (Kellie) Danise, daughter, Darnell Danise-Timmons; three grandchildren, Rebecca and Rachael Timmons, Justin (Shay) Danise; and eight great-grandchildren, Brian Bellknap, Preston Sinclair, Brooklyn Benintende, Abigail Milbrathe, Azlynn Timmons, Abel Summerlin, and Vivian and Emma Danise.

Pallbearers will be Justin Danise, Darren Danise, Neil Girouard, Rusty Reeves, Richard Fairley and Dr. Sunny Selman.

Visitation will be held at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Monday, June 2 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Biloxi on Tuesday, June 3 at 11 a.m. Friends and those who would like to pay their respects are welcome to visit beginning at 10 a.m. until the start of Mass. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Leeward “Bugga” Danise.