Ronald Eugene Nugent

Ronald Eugene Nugent, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at age 89. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Barbara “Bobbi”, son Ronald Nugent Jr., daughter Kathleen (Bryan) Kinard, grandson Dustin (Tori) Kinard, and great-granddaughter Ellie Mae. He was preceded in death by parents John and Irma Nugent, and son Michael Nugent.

Ron proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. He met his future wife, Bobbi, while stationed at Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, Illinois. After Ron returned from a one-year deployment in remote northern Libya, the couple moved to Whiteman Air Force Base near Warrensburg, Missouri, beginning a life of adventure and devotion together. Later Ron joined the Louisiana Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, ultimately retiring in 1996 as a Senior Master Sargent. In the final phase of his career, he served in the Quality Control department — a role well-suited to his no-nonsense attitude and high standards.

Ron and Bobbi retired to the Gulf Coast where they enjoyed crabbing and fishing at their home on the Bay of St. Louis in Pass Christian, Mississippi. They found great joy in hosting crab boils – bringing family and friends together for good food, laughter, and stories shared long into the evening. Ron was known to be a huge LSU sports fan. As an avid NASCAR enthusiast, he rarely missed a race, loved cheering for his favorite drivers, and was able to experience driving NASCAR for himself seven times. He stayed busy as a skilled handyman, mechanic, and carpenter.

Ron will be fondly remembered for his humor, generous heart, and the love he shared with family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi, MS 39531, with a celebration of life beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Following the celebration of life, the family invites everyone to join the graveside service with military honors at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS 39535.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ron's memory to Saint Jude’s Children's Hospital (see donation link below). 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, served the family. An online obituary can be viewed and memories shared at www.RiemannFamily.com