Barry Wilhelm

Barry “BigDawg” Wilhelm, age 81, of Biloxi, passed away peacefully in his sleep during the morning of Friday February 11, 2022.

Born in 1940 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Barry’s family relocated to Mississippi City in the late-1940s and generated the first distribution operation for the New Orleans-based Times Picayune newspaper on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Barry’s involvement in the family business instilled a strong work ethic in him and fueled his introduction to his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years.

In 1958, Barry enlisted in the US Air Force and selflessly dedicated 20 years of service to the United States as a medic and pharmacy technician at locations in Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Mississippi, and most notably, the 8th Tac Fighter Wing at Ubon Royal Thai Air Base providing direct medical support during OPERATION BOLO.  Upon his retirement from active duty in 1978 as a Master Sergeant, he furthered his service to our nation as Pharmacy Manager at the Keesler Air Force Base hospital until his departure from the workforce in 1995.  Master Sergeant Barry Wilhelm's spirit of service cemented his position as the patriarch of a four-generation US military dynasty.

Through his retirement, Barry took on a new passion for amateur radio with callsign WB5WB.  His selfless mentorship led him to become a certified amateur radio volunteer examiner, administering more than 200 examination sessions.  As a leader, he was voted Treasurer and later President of the Mississippi Coast Amateur Radio Association and directly contributed to disaster relief efforts following the coastal devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Barry’s departure from this life will leave a big void in the hearts of his older sister, Marilyn; his  daughters, Vicki Lynn and Cyndi Ann; his 6 grandchildren; and his 12 great grandkids.  His loving family takes solace in knowing he is free from pain and will be joining his wife Jacqueline Ray and daughter Donna Rhea in paradise.

The graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 18, 2022, at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is proud to serve the Wilhelm family.

An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com