Thomas Ratcliffe Justice

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Thomas Ratcliffe Justice, 58, who died Thursday, May 3, 2007, at University Medical Center, in Jackson, will be Saturday morning at Natchez City Cemetery.

Burial will follow under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Tom was born in New Orleans and spent his childhood in Gulfport. He overcame many adversities in his life and did so in an always dignified and most gentle manner. While growing up on the Mississippi gulf coast of his youth, Tom became a great athlete in his own way. He spent many happy hours rowing in his boat and was a strong swimmer. He enjoyed crabbing, fishing and floundering at night with his family. Tom also played golf and enjoyed football in the front yard on late afternoons. He was always a big fan of the New Orleans Saints and loved to watch them play. He spent many summers at his families’ lake house on Lake St. John near Natchez, where he learned to ski, catch bream and hunt for turtles in the reeds. Tom attended Gulf Coast Military Academy in Gulfport and was a student of The Training School in Vineland, N. J. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport. He was a resident of Boswell Regional Center in Magee for most of his adult life, where he leaves behind many friends. In addition he leaves behind a very close friend and gentle caregiver in Mr. Nate Magee.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Thurman T. Justice; sisters, Laurie Anne Justice of Gulfport as well as his grandmother, Mrs. Laurie Ratcliffe of Natchez.

Survivors include his sister, Alice Apostle and husband, Nick, both of Jackson; nephew, Nicholas Apostle; and nieces, Katy Apostle and Camille Hassell, all of Jackson.

Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport or a charity of choice.