Samuel "Bugs" Mavar, Jr.

Samuel Joseph Mavar, Jr., known to his family and friends as “Bugs” passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

Bugs was born to Samuel Joseph Mavar, Sr and Lucy Sekul Mavar on July 8, 1943.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bugs is survived by his wife of 28 years, Karen Williams Mavar; his children, Graham Mavar and his wife, Natalie, and Cole Mavar; his siblings, Olivia Sliman, Sammie Lou Bricker and her husband, Dr. Don Bricker, and John Mavar and his wife, Jeanne; his grandson, Luke Mavar; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a lifelong resident of Biloxi.  He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1965.  Following high school, he attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and received a B.A. degree in business administration. Bugs was a lifelong Ole Miss fan.

Bugs was a hard-working member of Mavar Shrimp and Oyster Company, it’s beginning dating back to 1926. Over the years and generations, the Mavar family business expanded its market from the Gulf Coast to nearly the entire U.S. Family traditions ensured it success as generations of the Mavar family participated in its success.

On the recreational side, he was an avid golfer, as his friends in the “Dog Pound” will attest.  When not on the golf course, he enjoyed boating and being on the water.

Bugs served on the board of the Great Southern Golf Club, Chateau Le Grand, and the Sunkist Country Club.  He was also a member of Biloxi Yacht Club, The Revelers Carnival Association, and Gulf Coast Carnival Association.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for those who have reached out to us in love, prayer, cards, and support. We ask that you continue to remember us in your prayers. A special thanks to Dr. Allison Wall and her most gracious staff, Dr. Mark Wall, Dr. William Striegel, Dr. Thomas Garrott, George J. Sliman, III, Glenn Williams, Jr, the David Riemann family, Monsignor Dominic Fullam, Father Paddy Mockler, Father George Murphy, Father Pat O’Shaughnessy, and a special thanks to Notre Dame Hospice staff and especially to Christine, an angel on earth.” And finally, Karen sends this:” My appreciation to our son, Cole. Your strength, courage, and love in taking care of your Dad was remarkable. And he is proud of you.”

In memory of Bugs, donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church, Biloxi, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Building Fund, or St. Vincent dePaul Pharmacy of the Gulf Coast.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Biloxi, with a visitation for family and friends from 9:30 AM until the Mass.  Burial will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi, is serving the family.  An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .