Peter Jacob Umbdenstock, Jr.

Peter Jacob Umbdenstock, Jr., affectionately known as Pete, passed away at the age of 77 on September 9, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Pete was born on October 3, 1947, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Peter Jacob Umbdenstock Sr. and Dorothy Dickmeyer Umbdenstock. He graduated from Gulfport High School in 1966 and pursued higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he majored in Business Administration and was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. During his time at USM, he married Paulette Joyner and welcomed his son Peter “Jay” Umbdenstock III into the world.

After completing his education, Pete returned to Gulfport, where he took over the family’s commercial enterprises, including Pete’s Electric Service, Wholesale Auto Parts, and Locksmith and Security Services. His leadership and dedication ensured the continued success of these businesses.

While Pete and Paulette eventually divorced, they remained good friends, but Pete found love again with his beloved life partner Lucy Elliott. Pete and Lucy built a wonderful life together for 24 years prior to her unfortunate passing that broke his heart.

Pete was a man of many passions. He was an avid boater and fisherman, both inland and offshore, and dedicated much of his life to sport fishing and marine conservation. He was a co-founder and lifelong member of the Coast Conservation Association chapter in Mississippi and served as a member and weighmaster of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Big Game Fishing Club. In the early 1970s, he helped co-found the Gulf Coast Sandblasters, an Enduro motorcycle racing club, where he spent countless hours traveling and competing in races throughout the Southeast.

Pete's love for the sea and conservation was evident in his frequent visits to the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, especially at the Harbor Shop, where he was a proud member of the DYC. Known for his spirited conversations and camaraderie, Pete cherished his time with friends at local taverns, enjoying both lively discussions and his favorite drinks.

Pete was preceded in death by his father, Peter Jacob Umbdenstock Sr.; mother, Dorothy Dickmeyer Umbdenstock; stepmother, Faye S. Umbdenstock; and beloved life partner, Lucy Hope Elliott.

He is survived by his son, Peter Jacob Umbdenstock III, and daughter-in-law, Julie Melton Umbdenstock; grandchildren, Hayden and Avery Umbdenstock; sister, Gayle Froelich, and brother-in-law, Theodore Froelich; nephews, Theodore Froelich II and Daniel Froelich; niece, Colleen Froelich; and Lucy's beloved children, Jamie Elliott Fulton and Allison Hope Martin; Lucy’s beloved grandchildren, Elliott Stone Martin, Steeley Hope Jones, Lucy Sawyer Martin, Colin Jacob Fulton, and Madeline Grace Fulton.

A gathering to celebrate Pete’s life will be held at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coast Conservation Association Mississippi, honoring Pete’s enduring commitment to marine conservation.