James
James Maskew
d. January 15, 2019
James W. Maskew, Sr. "Rocking Willie", age 91, passed away on January 15, 2019 in Gulfport, MS. He was born to John Willie Maskew, Sr., and Alice Holder Maskew on December 25, 1927 in Hancock County, MS.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mittie Smith; a brother, Monvel Maskew; daughters, Sandra Seymour and Karen Hodge; and a son, John Maskew.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Massey Maskew of Gulfport; daughters, Patsy Nall (Bobby), Kathy Busby, Brenda Loney (George); son, Jimmy Maskew (Billie); step-son, Richard Huffmaster (Elizabeth); sister, Louise Baggett; 23 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and a number of great-grandchildren.
After retirement from Colonial Bakery, Willie enjoyed building a business of nurturing animals and was always eager to share his passion with visitors of all ages. He started off with Chihuahua puppies but pretty soon he took on the challenge of raising exotic birds. Willie loved to entertain and host everyone from passerby to church groups, as well as busloads of school children from all over the Coast.
The love of his small farm in Orange Grove was evident in everything he accomplished. Willie did more before 9 AM than most people did in their entire day, from outdoors on his tractor to building nest boxes in his shop. He was a gentle soul with a huge heart for animals and his family. He was a simple man who led a full life and was respected by others in the rural community for his knowledge of farming and tending to animals.
Willie enjoyed simple pleasures like catfish at Sherry's on Friday nights, old western movies, and roaming around the feed store with his grandchildren. He was quick to laugh, always eager to show you something, and never hesitated to offer his assistance to anyone who needed it.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, with visitation for family and friends starting at 2:30 PM. Interment will follow at Free Church of God Cemetery, Gulfport, MS.
An online obituary may be viewed, and memories and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com
He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mittie Smith; a brother, Monvel Maskew; daughters, Sandra Seymour and Karen Hodge; and a son, John Maskew.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Massey Maskew of Gulfport; daughters, Patsy Nall (Bobby), Kathy Busby, Brenda Loney (George); son, Jimmy Maskew (Billie); step-son, Richard Huffmaster (Elizabeth); sister, Louise Baggett; 23 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and a number of great-grandchildren.
After retirement from Colonial Bakery, Willie enjoyed building a business of nurturing animals and was always eager to share his passion with visitors of all ages. He started off with Chihuahua puppies but pretty soon he took on the challenge of raising exotic birds. Willie loved to entertain and host everyone from passerby to church groups, as well as busloads of school children from all over the Coast.
The love of his small farm in Orange Grove was evident in everything he accomplished. Willie did more before 9 AM than most people did in their entire day, from outdoors on his tractor to building nest boxes in his shop. He was a gentle soul with a huge heart for animals and his family. He was a simple man who led a full life and was respected by others in the rural community for his knowledge of farming and tending to animals.
Willie enjoyed simple pleasures like catfish at Sherry's on Friday nights, old western movies, and roaming around the feed store with his grandchildren. He was quick to laugh, always eager to show you something, and never hesitated to offer his assistance to anyone who needed it.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, with visitation for family and friends starting at 2:30 PM. Interment will follow at Free Church of God Cemetery, Gulfport, MS.
An online obituary may be viewed, and memories and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Maskew, please visit our flower store.
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