Edward A Gamard III

On January 18th, 2025, the world lost a much-treasured man. Edward Alphonse Gamard III, 80, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He passed away at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS surrounded by family.

 Edward, more commonly called “Slicky”, was born on July 17th, 1944, in Birmingham, AL to Stella and Edward Gamard Jr. He grew up in Pass Christian, MS with his siblings Judith, Mary Lucile, and Richard. He attended St. Stanislaus High School where he graduated in 1962. Edward started out attending The University of Mississippi, ultimately deciding to enlist in the Navy to attend the Navy Dental school with a goal of becoming a dentist like his father and grandfather before him. Because of the escalation of the war in Vietnam, Hospital Corpsmen were in high demand and Edward was assigned Corpsman duty. After completing his training, he was sent to fight alongside the Marines, serving an 18-month tour in Vietnam. His deployment was cut short after a year when he was recalled stateside to help with relief efforts for Hurricane Camile in 1969. After returning home, he finished his service to the Navy at The Naval Aerospace Medical Center in Pensacola, FL. After his military service ended, Edward continued his education, attending The University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology. It was during this time that he met Judith Alaine Robinson and in 1971 they were married, moving to Pass Christian where they started their family. 

He had a full career working in the engineering fields of optics and lenses, as well as hydro carbide material production. He retired in 2008 and enjoyed his remaining years with his wife and family. Edward was a warm and loving family man and a fierce friend, and he enjoyed spending many years on construction projects, local events and multiple hobbies. He took immense pride in playing the saxophone, guitar, and banjo, with which he played in many bands over the years. His love of music was passed down to his daughters and sons, and he encouraged all to learn to appreciate what he would call ‘good music.’ Edward’s biggest hobby was his love for knowing how things worked. Edward probably had every tool imaginable, if you needed a tool he probably had it. His expertise and handiness included everything from electrical, construction, plumbing, to repairing small engines, electronics, and musical instruments. He was always informed, documenting changes in the weather and the stock market. If something was happening around the world, he was always in the know. He loved being with friends, sharing a few drinks, and his love for conversation was never satisfied, he could talk to you about anything and everything. His patience, devotion, and exuberant larger-than-life personality made him an unforgettable presence in the lives of all who knew him. 

More than anything, Edward enjoyed seeing his family grow and flourish over the course of his 54-year marriage. One of his proudest achievements was being able to see all 5 of his children graduate college, get married, and start families of their own. 

Edward is survived by his wife, Judy, children, Kristy (Glines), Lindsey (Rock), Allyson (Caridad), Edward IV, and Chuck, grandchildren, Edison, Scarlett, Cooper, Ean, and his siblings, Judy Carr, Lulu Rodrigue, and Richard. The family would like to personally thank the medical staff at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport for the compassionate care provided to Edward in his final days. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 22342 Evangeline Rd, Pass Christian, MS 39571; with visitation at 1 p.m. and funeral prayer service starting at 2 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Live Oak Cemetery, 301 St. Louis St, Pass Christian, MS 39571. A post-burial reception will be held with refreshments back at Holy Family Parish. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Edward's name to the Holy Family Parish. www.holyfamilyparish.cc

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Gamard family.