Richard A. Born, age 43 of Ocean Springs, MS, died Friday, January 27, 2023, at his home in Ocean Springs, MS after a short illness. Richard was born on October 16, 1979, in Pascagoula, MS. A bright and mischievous child, he brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.
Richard was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Forrest J. Jerkins and Allen C. Born, Jr.; uncles, Forrest Michael Jerkins, and Roger W. Jerkins; and two cousins, Jon and Jeremy Born. He is survived by his wife Rachel, daughter Gabriella Michele, son Forrest Allen of Mt. Hermon, La., parents Allen & Wanda Born of Gautier, MS, sister, Diana Born of Pensacola, FL, grandmothers Gail Parkton and Louise Born of Pensacola, FL and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Richard never met a stranger and had many friends of all ages, who will miss his sweet smile, sense of humor and him calling all the ladies "Sweetheart."
Richard was in the first graduating class of Gautier High School and a member of the Gators first football team. It was one of his favorite memories. He received an Associate's Degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier. He spent most of his career in retail sales. Richard was a member of the Church of Christ in Gautier.
The joy of Richard's life was his children. His son loved to visit so they could be "crazy jokers" together. They played, went to the beach, played games, watched the stars and the waterways, and spent part of their last visit together playing in the rain and the mud.
Richard loved cars, especially Cadillacs, the competition of a good football game, music, corny movies and laughing with his friends and family. He loved to cheer on his Auburn Tigers, especially since many of his friends and family were Alabama and/or LSU fans.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the Gautier Church of Christ, located at 4605 Gautier-Vancleave Road from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Brief remarks will be made at 2:00 concluding the visitation. A private burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Stapleton, AL will be held at a date to be determined.
A special thank you to the Ocean Springs Police Department, Fire Department, coroner, and AMR who responded to assist Richard on the night of his death. They were very professional, kind, and supportive to the family.
Also, thank you to Coastal Funeral Home for their assistance and care of Richard.

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If there is enough room on the back of the little handout, we would like the following:

WHEN I AM GONE

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile.
Just forget, if you can, that I ever frowned.
And remember only the smile.

Forget the unkind words I have spoken.
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache.
And remember I've had some fun.

Forget that I have stumbled and blundered,
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles,
And won some, ere the close of day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day.
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the evening,
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me,
And remember only my best.

I loved you, I loved deeply and for life.
Remember that, too.