Obil J. Webb, Jr.

Obil (Obie or O.J.) J. Webb Jr., age 98, passed away on August 16, 2024, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was born October 3, 1925, in Nettleton, MS to Obil J. Webb Sr and Polly Coursey Webb. He was a native of Guntown, MS but considered St. James, MO as his adopted hometown. He was a resident of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport. He moved many times during his life but lived for extended periods in Vichy and St. James, MO, and Vicksburg, MS.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Wanda Carter Webb, his parents and his twin sister Jean Webb Norton.

Survivors include son, Dennis Webb and wife Anita of Vicksburg, MS; granddaughter Blair Webb Ashley and husband Miles of Vicksburg, MS; and great-grandchildren, Walker and Kate Ashley of Vicksburg, MS.

He graduated from Guntown High School in 1943. He volunteered for the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday. He served heroically during World War II in the submarine fleet in the Pacific Ocean. He retired from the Navy in 1969 as a lieutenant. Upon retirement he furthered his education by attending the University of Arizona, Austin Peay University, and the University of Missouri-Rolla where he received a bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics. He then attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, receiving his teaching certification. After receiving certification, he taught math at the St. James Jr. High and High School for many years. He also taught wood shop at Boys Town of Missouri in St. James for several years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Baldwin, MS.

Obil loved working with his hands. His hobbies were construction and gardening. He was a good chef and shared his cooking techniques. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed doing the daily crossword puzzle. There will be no memorial service at this time. A private service for immediate family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Salvation Army, especially their Christmas Angel program and Toys-For-Tots, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is assisting the family.