Neal Gatian

Neal Gatian, age 64 of Long Beach, passed away on August 15, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene “Mr. G” Gatian and Theresa Achee Gatian.

Neal is survived by his wife of 17 years but they were together for 30 years, Ann Thomas-Gatian; his children, Matt Thomas (Jennifer) and Shei Thomas Holliman (Tim); his siblings, Vivian Gatian Ramsey (Jay), Rita Gatian Sadler, Evon Gatian Womack (Bill), Brenda Gatian Thompson (Dan), Nick Gatian (Becky), Niles Gatian, and Kit Gatian Jackson (Alan); his grandchildren, Demi Blaker Humphreys (Reid), Dallas Blaker, Brody Blaker, Luke Thomas, and Jake Thomas; his brothers-in-law, George Dennison (Jackie) and John Bowen; his talented pit crew, Bruce Devlin, Matt Levens, Luke Thomas, Jake Thomas, Brody Blaker, and John Knight; his 10 nieces and nephews; and his 16 great nieces and nephews.

He was a longtime resident of Long Beach and was a graduate of Columbia Southern University where he received his associates degree.  Neal retired as a Battalion Chief from the Long Beach Fire Department where he was named firefighter of the year in 2011 and he served as Vice President of Gulf Coast Towing, Body Shop Manager for Turan Foley Cadilliac/Oldsmobile, and he served as a deputy sheriff for Harrison County.

Neal had a passion for drag racing and drove numerous cars to the winners circle throughout his years. He also dabbled in dirt track racing for several years driving late models and sprint cars.  He was the winner of Ford vs Chevy in 2021 and Ford vs Chevy Low ET 2021.

Neal had a collection of classic cars/trucks and looked forward to Crusin the Coast each year. He spent countless hours rebuilding, painting, tinkering on cars and would lend a helping hand to anyone when it came to working on their hot rods as well.  He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Neal’s favorite causes and call 228-236-6033 to donate by check, cash, or Purina complete cat food to support local trap and release as well as free adoption and spay and neuter for cats and dogs.  A representative will pick up your donation.  Thank You!

A Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 20, 2021, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Long Beach, with a visitation from 2:00 PM until the service. Interment will follow at Long Beach City Cemetery.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach, is serving the family and online tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com