William “Billy” Raymond Sr., who served as Biloxi Public Works director and had been a fixture on the Biloxi Mullet Brigade, died unexpectedly overnight Sunday while on a fishing trip in the small town of Samburg, Tenn.
Raymond, father of Biloxi Visitors Center Manager and city Historical Administrator Bill Raymond, directed the Public Works Department during the Halat administration, had been a Special Olympics volunteer, and volunteered at myriad city gatherings over the years with the Mullet Bridge, a group of volunteers that prepares food at public city events.
Billy Raymond, 80, was born in St. Martin and was a resident of Biloxi since 1957, when he married Geraldine Stanley. Together they have six children, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church will host a visitation on Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
Facebook: The William Raymonds, Sr. and Jr.
News and notes: Weekly report, dredging, Scrapin’, B-Alert
The week that was: Last week, the Fire Department answered 168 calls for service, including 111 medical emergencies and eight fires; the Police Department handled 2110 calls for service; and the Engineering Department continued to progress on projects throughout the city. To see the reports covering last week, click here.
Dredging: City Engineer Christy LeBatard said city contractors are now dredging the canal off Mercedes Drive on Back Bay, part of an ongoing operation that included Point Cadet Marina, the Hiller Park boat ramp and canal, and other areas. Mercedes work is expected to wrap in about two weeks, LeBatard said. For background on the dredging, click here.
Scrapin’ the Coast: Biloxi Police this week are finalizing the traffic plan for Scrapin’ the Coast, which takes place June 22-24. The event is primarily at the Coast Coliseum but motorists can expect to see thousands of low-riding vehicles on major thoroughfares, especially U.S. 90. The event, now in its 16th year, has attracted as many as 20,000 auto enthusiasts in the past. To see this year’s lineup of traffic plans, click here. To see more about Scrapin’, click here.
Scrapin’ alerts: Those interested in Scrapin’ the Coast and the Scrapin’ traffic plan can get real time Scrapin’ traffic advisories by texting SCRAPIN to 888777 to receive text advisories.