Raymond Thomas Egers

I was given this beautiful gift of life on July 18, 1942. I lived my life to the utmost, I enjoyed it, I loved it! And now the time has come for me to say goodbye. Please don’t shed tears for me, for I was a lucky man who was surrounded by a host of family & friends. I am forever grateful to have completed this journey of life and now Heaven awaits. Raymond Thomas Egers, age 75, of Biloxi, Mississippi, went home to be with his Lord and was united with his loved ones and dear friends who preceded him. Raymond was preceded in death by his Parents Raymond "Red" Egers and Johanna Esposito Egers, Grandparents Thomas and Jeannette Esposito, Henry and Zoe Egers; his Aunts Josephine Esposito Allen, Zoe "Pinky" Balius, and Maxine Esposito; his Uncle, Joseph Esposito, and Brother in Law Charles "Canary" Romero; his Cousins Thomas Andrews, Sandra Esposito Thornton, and Sharon Esposito Fayard. Raymond is survived by his son, Raymond Reeks Egers and his wife Elizabeth and their children: Raymond “Lucky” and Hobby Egers all of Biloxi; Zachary Zamot of Atlanta and Heather Salinas and her children Jude Emil & Liam Valentine, of Mandeville; his Sister Jeannette Romero and her children: Chad Romero, both of OS: Rachel Bradley-Romero (Carol Bradley-Romero), both of Biloxi: Johanna Romero Thompson (Rick Jr.) and their daughter Charley Rose, all of Mobile Al: his Uncle Tommy Esposito,Sr. and his cousins Anna Marie Andrews and Tommy Esposito Jr., all of Biloxi; his former wives Lois Fryer of Biloxi and Gigi Reeks , the mother of his son, of Ocean Springs and so many more cousins and extended family and friends who adored him. Born on July 18, 1942, Raymond was baptized at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Biloxi where he also received his first communion and was confirmed. A musician like his father, “Mr. Red”, he enjoyed playing in the Norte Dame High School Band: A 1960 graduate of Notre Dame High School, he went on to graduate with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1964. He received his Bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Administration. While at USM, Raymond was a member of many organizations including the USM Newman Club, where he held the offices of Treasurer, Vice President and President. He also received many awards, and honors such as Outstanding Senior Newmanite, Loyal Newmanite, Best-All-Around Newmanite and also held the title of Mr. Newmanite. He was a member of the John Henry Cardinal Newman Honor Society, among many other honors. After college he enlisted in the United States Army in 1964 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He finished his military career three years later at the Rank of Captain. He traveled extensively overseas while in the Army. He served as the Hospital Administrator in a MASH unit in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. Raymond worked for Ingalls Shipbuilding for over 35 years. He started in general accounting in 1967 at Ingalls Shipbuilding. He grew in his career to Financial Planning and retired as Financial Manager of Ingalls in 2002. He was very active in the Ingalls Management Association, and was King of the IMA Spring Ball in 2001. He was for many years a United Way chairperson for the Finance Department at Ingalls. Raymond was a devout Catholic and loved to celebrate Christmas both for his love of Christ and for his great joy in giving to others. Raymond’s generosity of spirit will be long remembered by all who knew him. Raymond was very active in the Mardi Gras of the City of Biloxi. He was King of Bon Vivantes in 1969, the King of Young Matrons in 1992, a member of the Krewe of Neptune, having served as an Officer, Duke, Captain and also as King Neptune VII in 1988. He also served as a Duke of Hera. Raymond was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church Parish. He was also a member on the board for Gulf Coast Community Concert. Raymond was such a talented man. He could draw and paint anything of his choice, fired and painted porcelain, of which hundreds of people have his work in their homes. He worked for several florists, making beautiful arrangements for people to enjoy. As a baby I was baptized at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. Nativity is also where I received my First Holy Communion on April 24, 1949. So it only seems fitting that On Friday March, 9th 2018 I will return for the last time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral. Friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.