E.F. "Skip" St. Amant, Jr.

Eugene Felix St. Amant, Jr., age 81, of Ocean Springs, MS unexpectedly passed away July 21, 2024. “Skip” was born March 26, 1943 in Pascagoula, MS and has been a life-long resident of Jacson County, Mississippi. He graduated in 1961 from Our Lady of Victories High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University in 1966. He retired after 37 years of working in various finance departments at Ingalls Shipbuilding, the last 26 years as Manager of Payroll. Upon retirement he received the Shipyard’s Business Management Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula and currently attended St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. He served as Eucharistic Minister for both churches and led a Discipleship Quad prayer group. He was a life time member of the Knights of Columbus and the LSU “L” Club.

He was very active in sports throughout his life. While in high school he lettered in football and basketball and was selected as running back on the Gulf Coast Catholic High School Conference All Star football team. He represented OLV at Boy’s State and was selected as Mr. OLV his senior year. While at LSU, he served as equipment manager for the football and track teams. In his adult years he was active in men’s softball, serving as League president for several years as well as playing for 20+ years. At the age of 45 he joined the USTA Adult tennis league and played on several state championship teams, including one that finished 2 nd in the 1998 National Tournament. Eventually, at the age of 73, he transitioned to, as he called it, the very frustrating sport called golf.

He took great pride in raising his two daughters and instilled his values in them. He was very involved in every aspect of their lives. He was even voted Best Cheerleader Mom! He never missed a game when his girls were cheering from elementary school to college. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren. You would frequently see him at their soccer games, football games, gymnastics meets, tennis matches and baseball games.

In 2011, he was blessed to have attended an OLV multi-class reunion and was reacquainted with the former Betty Lou Barber, whom he had not seen in many years. One year later, they were married and enjoyed a wonderful life together in the twilight of their lives. Their meeting and life together they attributed to the “Grace of God”.

Skip was preceded in death by his father, Gene St. Amant; mother, Helene’ St. Amant; sister, Denise St. Amant; and step-grandson, Garret Emerson.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Betty Green St. Amant of Ocean Springs; two daughters, Gia S. Long (Donnie) of Daphne, AL and Allison S. Porche (Dennis) of Hoover, AL. Grandchildren Nathan Long and Sara Kate Long of Daphne, AL; and Ellis Porche of Hoover, AL. Step-children Scott Green (Vonda), Lisa G. Lumpkin, Michael Green, Courtney G. Leslie (Micah). Step-grandchildren: Dr. Ashley Emerson Essary (Kevin), Payton Green (Alexis), Brady and Delaney Lumpkin, and Dominic and Levi Leslie. Special family and friends including Kathilee Bosarge Slater (Jackie), Ozzie Bosarge, and Michelle Walker (Kevin).

A Memorial Mass will begin on Thursday, July 25, 2024, 12:00 noon, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00-11:45am at the church. Interment will be at Machpelah Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Pharmacy c/o Diocese of Biloxi,1790 Pops Ferry Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532.  You may send condolences to his family or share a memory of Skip on the Tribute Wall of this funeral home’s website.

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