The Biloxi Police and Fire departments, two agencies that had seen overwhelming growth in the A.J. Holloway administration, will play key roles in the former mayor’s funeral service Friday morning, as condolences continue to arrive in the wake of the mayor’s passing.
Visitation for the 22-year mayor will be Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Nativity BVM Cathedral, with a Mass of Christian burial at noon. Entombment will be at Southern Memorial Park.
Biloxi police officers and firefighters will serve as an honor guard and pall bearers, and the Biloxi Fire Department will have flag-bearing aerial ladders in two locations: on Lameuse Street, as the process passes City Hall, about 1:30 Friday afternoon and at the Biloxi Lighthouse on U.S. 90 as the procession works its way to Southern Memorial Park.
Meantime, Keesler Air Force Base on Tuesday took the extraordinary step of lowering flags on the base to half staff. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich had taken a similar step earlier in the day at all municipal facilities in Biloxi.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that we say goodbye to Biloxi’s longest-running mayor, and friend of Keesler Air Force Base, A.J. Holloway, who died today at 79,” Keesler’s Facebook page announced Tuesday. “At the direction of the installation commander, and as a mark of respect honoring the former mayor of the City of Biloxi for a lifetime of service, Keesler flags shall be flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday, June 5, until sunset June 8.”
Among the other notices Tuesday:
From U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker: “A.J. Holloway was a force for the city of Biloxi during his impressive 22-year career in public service. As a city councilman and mayor, he helped revive the region’s economy and later was instrumental in the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. He was also a standout college football player, helping Ole Miss win a national championship in 1960. Gayle and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers to his wife, Macklyn, and their entire family.”
From Congressman Steven Palazzo, on his Congressional Facebook page: “Sending my condolences to the family and friends of former Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway, a true leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His leadership before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina helped revitalize our city. I am thankful for his lifetime of service to the coast and ask that you keep the Holloway family in your prayers.”
From Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves: “Mayor Holloway was dedicated to growing the city of Biloxi and serving its citizens. Elee and I pray for his family.”
See the A.J. Holloway obituary
Video: See A.J. Holloway on and off the field
WLOX, Sun Herald plan bonus coverage
WLOX plans to carry the A.J. Holloway funeral live on Friday, beginning at noon. The station also will have live cameras set up to show the firetruck-laden flag displays in front of City Hall and at the Biloxi Lighthouse, where the funeral process is expected to pass about 1:30 Friday afternoon.
Meantime, the Sun Herald plans to publish an appreciation of the life and times of A.J. Holloway in its Sunday edition.
“Farewell To A Leader – Remembering A.J. Holloway” actually airs at noon on multiple WLOX platforms, including WLOX ABC, the WLOX News app, and on WLOX.com.
Said News Director Brad Kessie: “A.J. Holloway was the longest-serving mayor in Biloxi history. He guided the community through the advent of casinos, and the devastation caused by Katrina. He touched lives in his city, and around the region. The best way WLOX can honor his legacy is by allowing people around South Mississippi and around the world to see the celebration of his incredible life.”
News & notes: City council; tree committee
Council meeting: At the beginning of the City Council meeting Tuesday night, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and councilmembers had a moment of silence and later spoke about the life of A.J. Holloway. To see a video from the meeting, click here. To see images from the meeting, where Mayor Gilich presented a certificate of appreciation to student artists at Popp’s Ferry Elementary and Fire Chief Joe Boney spoke on the importance of having a training facility at the new Fire Station No. 7, click here.
Tree Committee: The Biloxi Tree Committee now has a dedicated page on the City of Biloxi website with the activities of the committee, agendas and minutes, and links to important resources regarding protecting our city’s natural historic heritage— it’s trees. Citizens interested in assisting the Tree Committee should contact the Tree Committee representative of your ward. To visit the page, click here.
