Antonio Villarreal

Antonio Castro Villarreal, age 85 of Hattiesburg, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Antonio Villarreal was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 1, 1937. Best known as Tony or Mr. Tony, he entered the Air Force at the tender age of sixteen and served 14 years as active military and another 19 years in Civil Service at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. As a young man, Tony loved working with young people and influenced many lives while coaching Pee Wee Football in Gulfport, MS for nearly 20 years. When not coaching, he could usually be found at St. John’s Catholic Church or at The Knights of Columbus Hall preparing meals for wedding receptions and charity events, setting up for Bingo or serving in numerous offices including the position of Grand Knight. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he was an ardent football fan and enjoyed watching his Golden Eagles but lived for Sundays to cheer on his beloved Saints. Upon retirement, he settled in Hattiesburg, MS and continued his service to others through his volunteer work at Forest General Hospital, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Thomas Catholic Church, and various other charitable events.

Tony is preceded in death by his mother and father: Antonio, and Sophia Villarreal, his brother; Raul, and his son, Steven.

Antonio is survived by his wife of 66 years Bonnie Villarreal; sister, Gloria Prater; and five sons, Rick and his wife D’Lynn, Mike and wife Robyn, Andy and wife Belinda, Mark, Jeff and wife Jennifer; 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many, many friends. Due to the guidelines at the Biloxi National Cemetery, which limits the number of flowers, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and family make contributions to Tony’s beloved charities, St. Vincent DePaul Society, or the Pines Catholic Camp (www.thepines.org).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at St. James Catholic Church, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm in the church. Burial will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family, and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com .