Joseph Ladnier

Joseph F. ""Joey, Big Head, Hamp"" Ladnier, of Pass Christian, MS, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. Ladnier, Sr. and Millie A. Ladnier; brother-in-law, David L. Gordon; and his nephew, Jeremy Nelson Ladner.
Joey is survived by his wife, Pamela G. Ladnier of Pass Christian; his daughters, Melissa Sunshine Ladnier of Gulfport and Alysha Dawn Kittrell of Pass Christian; his siblings, Nadean Ladnier Wallace (Mike) and her children, Toby Ladner and Tiffany Saucier, and Rocky Ladnier (Rhonda) and his daughter, Jenny Ladnier, all of Long Beach; his granddaughter, Bella Sunshine McClain; sister, Synthia Gordon Ben-Schoter (Tim) and their daughter, Tabatha; Mother-in-law, Ruth E. Gordon; nephews, David D. Gordon, Christopher Lee Gordon (Kristina), Bronson Gordon (Jessica); his former wife, Cynthia Smith and her children, Ben Curet and Shasta Curet; and his best friend ""Dear Brother"", Larry Hill.
Joey was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he was a highly decorated Vietnam infantry veteran. He was a Specialist 5 and served in the Charlie Company, 3rd Batallion of the 21st Infantry, 196th LIB. Joe was in the 23rd Americal Division.
He was the owner of Wolf River HAWG Shop. He built and raced Harleys all his life and was responsible for starting the All Harley Drag Race on Memorial Day For Toys For Tots.
Joey was a national champion in K-Hot Street Drag Racing for the Southeast District where he raced his famous 'Night Train'. He was a two-time world champion in Sand Drag racing at Daytona.
He was President of the Vietnam Vets M/C.
He was a Christian and a member of Divine Grace Baptist Church, Long Beach. His love for his granddaughter, Bella Sunshine, gave him strength during a long illness.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Divine Grace Baptist, 5570 Red Creek Road, Long Beach. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow at Allen Cemetery.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach is in charge of arrangements.
An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.