GULFPORT — Former Gulfport Police Chief Hayward Hargrove, considered an icon in Coast law enforcement, died Tuesday.

Chief Hayward T. Hargrove, Gulfport Police Retired, age 80, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, in Gulfport.

Mr. Hargrove was born May 13, 1930, in Thomasville, GA and graduated from Thomasville High School in 1949. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant. He also graduated from the National FBI Academy, the Secret Service Dignitary Protection School, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from William Carey College in 1978 and his Master of Science Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980.

Mr. Hargrove was in law enforcement for 43 1/2 years starting in 1964 as a Patrolman. By 1983, he worked his way up from Patrolman to Detective and finally Chief of Police. He continued his position as Chief of Police from 1983 until 1989.

From 1989 until 2007, Mr. Hargrove was the Chief Investigator for the District Attorney's Office.

He was the owner of Hargrove's Gulf Service and Big "H" Speedway in Gulfport.

Mr. Hargrove was affiliated with many organizations including: Gulfport Rotary Club, FBI National Academy Association (Mississippi Chapter and National Chapter).

He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Charter Member of Joppa Shrine Temple, and active member and Deacon of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport.

Mr. Hargrove was preceded in death by his parents, Doris A. Minor and H.B. Hargrove and his sister, Mary Goez.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Hargrove; two sons, Gary T. Hargrove and wife Susan of Gulfport, and Hayward Timothy Hargrove of Pascagoula; two brothers, D.R. Hargrove and wife Lisa of Loganville, GA, Gerald Hargrove and wife Tina of McDonough, GA; four grandchildren, Danielle Collier and husband Nick, Samantha Robertson and husband Jeremy, Robert T. Hargrove and wife Shanna, and Rachel Hargrove; six great grandchildren, Ostynn, Ashlynn, and Tarynn Collier, Connor and Tyler Robertson, and Robbie Lynn Hargrove; two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Russell McConnell, and Doris and Dave Carlton; special nephew, Mac Hargrove of Loganville, GA; nephews, Michael Hargrove of Apex, NC, Tommy Hargrove of Stockbridge, GA; and niece, Stephanie Valdez of Phoenix, AZ.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport, with visitation one hour prior to services.

Burial will follow at Evergreen Gardens in Gulfport.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Hargrove's memory to Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 2301 23rd Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to AMR, the Gulfport Fire Department, the emergency room, ICU, and respiratory staff at Memorial Hospital Gulfport, especially, Laura, Hope, Joey, Vanessa, Gerald, Mark, Bill, Dr. Thomas Blanks, Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Daphne Bilbrew, Dr. Walter Surowiec, Dr. Richard Tilley, Dr. Joseph Bosarge, Dr. Edgardo Soto, and Dr. Abha Mishra.

By ROBIN FITZGERALD - [email protected]