Rufus Nance, Jr., 78 years of age, of McComb, MS, passed away on July 20, 2021, of natural causes.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Locket-Williams Mortuary. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm CST on July 24th at Pine Ridge Gardens Cemetery in Gulfport, MS.

Rufus Nance, Jr. was born in Gulfport, MS on October 8, 1942. He graduated from Thirty-Third Avenue High School and continued to pursue undergraduate studies in science at Dillard University, Howard University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Rufus Nance, Jr. was an Army veteran and worked as a longshoreman and in the field of security. He enjoyed reading, earth and space science studies, and model railroading. He also was an avid train and political enthusiast.

Rufus Nance, Jr. left to cherish his memories: son Rufus Nance, III of Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Jody Austin, Ashley Raven, Victor Vertison of Dallas, TX and Sara Torres of Seattle, WA; son Kelby D. Nance (Kimberly) of Cantonment, FL - Caleb, Kelsey, and Kinsley; son Michael A. Nance (Donita) of Mildenhall, England - Alexys, Michaela, and Quiaundra of Atlanta, GA; daughter Allison E. Nance of Cordova, TN – Miss Mali the Frenchie. Mr. Nance is also survived by his former wife Brenda Fenner and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Rufus Nance, Jr. is preceded in death by his father Rufus Nance, Sr, mother Ethel (Pickett) Nance, brother Henry James Johnson and sister, Northa Lee Diggs, both of Milwaukee, WI.

Flower donations may be sent to Lockett-Williams Mortuary at 2018 31st Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. The family of Rufus Nance, Jr. wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words.