Wilbur J. Manuel

Mr. Wilbur J. Manuel, Sr. age 89, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at his home in Biloxi, MS. He was born November 19, 1926 to Louis J. and Earnestine Tiblier Manuel. He married the love of his life, Jean Fayard Manuel, and together they had 6 children; 16 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. Mr. Manuel attended Biloxi High School where he played football and was on the boxing team for the United States Army. His trades were first a boat builder, a home builder and then retired as Fire Captain for the City of Biloxi. He was the first EMT with the Biloxi Fire Department. He descended from one of the pioneer families of Biloxi who were credited with building over 200 plus structures. Mr. Manuel was a community activist for East Biloxi never wanting his neighborhood to be forgotten. Mr. Manuel was the first President of the Biloxi Firefighters Union and was instrumental in forming the organization. Always admiring the good works of Shriners, he became a Mason and a Shriner. Mr. Manuel was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean Fayard Manuel; son, Danny Manuel; parents, Louis J. and Earnestine Manuel; brothers, Elbert, Leroy and his twin, Wilfred; sisters, Audrey Murray, Verna Rosetta and Lois Landry. Survivors include his sons, Michael (Debi), Wilbur “Ike” and Ronald Manuel; daughters, Donna (Curtis) Harrison and Cora (David) Sewell; and daughter-in-law, Kati Manuel. Above all his accomplishments his greatest joy was his wife and family. He was stricken with dementia for many years, but he never forgot his wife or lost his love of family. Services will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.