Steven Villarreal

Steven James Villarreal, age 50, and a native of Gulfport, passed into the waiting arms of Jesus on January 30, 2022.  At the time of his passing, Steven was a resident of Biloxi, MS along with his new wife, Brandi Savant Villarreal and his “bonus daughters”, Presley Savant and Emma Sowell.

Steven attended St. John Catholic schools in Gulfport and graduated from Belleville High School in Belleville, IL.  Steven was an outstanding athlete and played football at the University of Southern Mississippi during the Brett Farve years. After college, he settled briefly in Purvis near his parents before relocating to his beloved coast.  His athleticism manifested itself in golf and he was a highly competitive and successful amateur on the links, winning awards often.  One of his proudest victories was winning the 2021 Hard Rock Road to Championship.  Some of his greatest friendships were formed through his love of golf.  Steven was most at home on the water, playing golf and being with his friends, family and his wife, Brandi.  Most weekends during the summer you would find him surrounded by friends and family on his boat, “The Who Dat”. He was a consummate family man and deeply and sincerely loved by his parents, his brothers, his children and Brandi and her girls.

Steven was a practioner of many occupations working as an oil field consultant and a roofing project manager.  He was successful in all endeavors, both work and leisure, but his passion became cooking.  “Villie’Z” Kitchen” became known among friends and acquaintances as the source of many of his culinary delights, the most popular being his olive salad!

There are many, many avid New Orleans Saints fans along the gulf coast but no one was more passionate than Steven, unless it was his mother, Bonnie.  His closet was a treasure trove of Saints jerseys and hats, and the walls of his condo were covered in photographs of he and various Saints icons.  Countless nights and weekends were spent grilling, boiling crawfish, and hanging out with friends on his patio, “The Who Dat Bar”. To miss a Saints telecast was unheard of in the Villarreal House!

Steven was preceded in passing by his grandparents Joseph and Rena Noveh, and Antonio and Sophia Villarreal.  He leaves to cherish the memory of his generosity and love, his parents, Antonio and Bonnie Villarreal of Hattiesburg, MS; the love of his life, his wife Brandi; his brothers Rick (D’Lynn), Mike (Robyn), Andy (Belinda), Jeff (Jennifer), and Mark; his children, Jacob, Olivia, Henslee and bonus daughters, Presley and Emma.  Steven is also survived by his in-laws Kim and Judy Savant who are eternally grateful for the happiness he gave their daughter.

Steven loved life!  He lived it completely and to the max. He was happiest enjoying good times with family and friends. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mass will be at 1:00 p.m. with interment immediately following at Floral Hill Memorial Gardens.  To his memory we hope you will join us for a celebration of a life well lived at Marina Cantina in Gulfport immediately following the burial.