John "JD" Dalton Scarborough

John Dalton “J.D.” Scarborough, Sr, age 88, of Gulfport, passed away on August 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Ferreira Scarborough; his parents, Aris and Vera Scarborough; and a sister, Betty Hartfield.

Mr. Scarborough is survived by his daughter, Elaine Smith (Stan) Gulfport, MS, 2 sons, John Dalton Scarborough, Jr. (Tabatha), Gulfport, MS, and William “Billy” Scarborough (Isma), Gulfport, MS; a sister: Margie Gentile, Pass Christian, MS; his grandchildren, Jason Smith, Gulfport, MS, Amanda Randolph (Joey) Loxley, AL, Crystal Whipps (Steve), Diamondhead, MS, Jeff Smith, Gulfport, MS, Cary Scarborough (Mary), Pass Christian, MS, and Rebecca Wetzel (Mark), Saucier, MS; his great-grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, and Olvia Randolph (Loxley, AL), Julian, Chase, Dalton, and John Smith (Gulfport, MS), William, Timothy, Violet, and Matthew Whipps (Diamondhead, MS), Haley and Weston Smith (St. Martin MS), Cameron Wetzel (Saucier, MS), and Trace and Brooks Scarborough (Pass Christian, MS); and other relatives and friends.

He was born on October 3, 1937 in Gulfport and he proudly served in the United States Navy for four years. He later served with the Gulfport Fire Department for 23½ years, retiring as Battalion Chief, and continued his career with the Stennis Space Center Fire Department, where he retired after 18 years of service. His many years of service reflected his commitment to his community and to helping others.

J.D. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family meant the world to him. He lived a life marked by hard work, service, and love for those closest to him.

J.D. enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved fishing and, of course, eating what he caught, but what he enjoyed most was sharing that love with his family. Some of his happiest times were spent teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fish and simply enjoying time together. He also loved spending time with his dog, Heidi, who was always happy to tag along with him for a ride.

More than anything, J.D. loved being around his family and making them laugh. Being hard of hearing often led to some hilarious “misunderstandings” about what someone had said, followed by a completely unexpected, off-the-wall response. You never quite knew what was going to come out of his mouth next, but you could always count on him to keep everyone laughing. Those are the little moments and memories his family will cherish most.

Family was always at the center of J.D.’s life, and he was happiest when surrounded by the people and the dog, he loved most. He leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion, laughter, and countless memories, many of them made around the water with a fishing pole in his hand. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Tired Dog Rescue of Gulfport, P.O. Box 10751 Gulfport, MS. 39505. Their email is tdrescue@gmail.com.

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 1 - 2 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.