Ralph Morse

Ralph B. Morse, Jr. of Diamondhead, Mississippi died Tuesday, January 25th in Gulfport, Mississippi due to complications following cancer surgery. He was 77 and a native of Cranston, Rhode Island.
Mr. Morse served in the Marine Reserve, United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. He taught electronics at Keesler Air Force Base and met Joan Hart of Jackson, Mississippi, whom he married after a 20 day courtship. They had been married 56 years. Upon his being honorably discharged from the service, Mr. Morse attended Georgia Institute of Technology. After leaving Georgia Tech, the Morses moved to Jackson, Mississippi.
Mr. Morse owned Morse Mechanical Contractors, Inc. and did numerous commercial mechanical jobs throughout Jackson and Mississippi.
Mr. Morse loved ham radio. His ability became beneficial to victims before and during Hurricane Camille.
Mr. Morse came to Biloxi to develop Channel Mark Subdivision and built a model home which won the 1987 Parade of Homes.
Ralph and Joan reared and educated four daughters, Cynthia Herring (Edward) of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Dr. Lauren Spillmann (Scott) of Greensboro, North Carolina, Melinda Zalesky (Alex) of Chardon, Ohio, and Tara Hoff (Fred) of Gulfport, Mississippi. They were very proud of their 13 grandchildren, Trey Herring, Hart Rhodes (Mark), Scott Ross Spillmann (Thompsie), Kent Spillmann, Celia Spillmann), Taylor Spillmann, Sylvan Zalesky, Sofia Zalesky, Niko Zalesky, Lukas Zalesky, Emily Hoff, Olivia Hoff, and Ethan Hoff.
His Rhode Island family includes two sisters, Betty Jones and Edith Casey, and nephews, Ross Jones, Glen Jones, Dana Jones, and Thomas Casey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helena and Ralph Morse and two nieces.
The family would prefer memorials to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501.
There will be graveside services on Monday, January 29th at 12:30 p.m. at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Veterans Boulevard.
The Riemann family's GULF COAST FUNERAL HOME, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements, and an online guestbook may be signed at www.gulfcoastfh.com.