Billy Hewes Jr., father of current Gulfport mayor, passes away

The Gulfport community is mourning the loss of a longtime public servant and community leader.

In a Facebook post Monday, current Mayor Billy Hewes announced the death of his father, Billy Hewes Jr.

The elder Hewes himself was a member of the Gulfport City Council for two terms and was involved in many different business ventures.

Mayor Hewes said his dad’s love for Gulfport was unparalleled as was his heart for service.