David Joseph “Rowdy” Nosser passed away at the University of Mississippi Medical Center on Sept. 3, 2017, after a brief illness.

A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Rowdy was born on July 10, 1962. He was a God-fearing man, a remarkable hunter and fisherman, cherished business owner and friend to all he encountered…simply an amazing and special person.

Survivors include his wife, Francine, and their three sons, Regan Nosser, Chris and Sean Johnson; a daughter, Kristen Patrick; his brothers: Pete J. III “Rocky” Nosser and Paul W. “Rusty” Nosser; and his sisters; Daria Nosser Hood (Allen) and Leigh Ann Nosser; a nephew, Will Hood (Holly); and his aunts; Lila Lee McRight of Greenville and Sybil Warner of Lafayette, La.; as well as numerous cousins and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Pete Joseph Jr. and Ouida Warner Nosser; and his grandparents, Pete Nosser Sr. and Bessie Nosser Nosser, and Clair and Bessie Roberts Warner.

Rowdy graduated from Vicksburg High School in the Class of 1981, where he played football for the Gators. He attended the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Southern Mississippi where he played football for the Golden Eagles.

Following college, Rowdy returned to Vicksburg to work in the family business. The Nosser family has served Vicksburg since 1917. Rowdy’s Family Restaurant opened its doors in 1988, enhancing a heritage and dedication to the service and restaurant industry spanning three generations.

For almost 30 years, Rowdy Nosser has applied the same values instilled in him by his grandparents, father, mother, aunts and uncles that made the family businesses so successful. He strived to deliver the best product while treating his customers and employees like family and giving back to his community. Since 1998, Rowdy has also owned and operated the Taco Casa franchise in Vicksburg.

Rowdy’s passions were his love of the outdoors and the promotion of youth in sports on a community-wide basis.

From sharing his love of hunting, fishing and training dogs to teaching and coaching, Rowdy Nosser took these roles to heart and lived by the motto: “the things you learn after you know it all, is what really counts.”

He was a good friend to so many. A man who you could count on and depend on no matter how difficult the circumstances…someone you wanted on your side. Whether you needed a sounding board, an empathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on, a silent companion, a hunting buddy or a community partner, Rowdy Nosser was your man. He was ready, steadfast, willing and good fun with a strong sense of right and wrong. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions-the anchor that defined and shaped his life.

During the last year, Rowdy was reaching the epitome of his 30-year career in the restaurant business. Rowdy’s Mississippi Mud Pie had become the focus of two national TV shows on both The Inspiration Channel and The Travel Channel. It was chosen by executives of The Food Network to represent the State of Mississippi in a 3-day food festival in late October. Rowdy’s Family Restaurant was recognized in 2016 as the Small Business of the Year by the Vicksburg/Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

It is very hard to say goodbye to someone who touched so many people’s lives so positively. He leaves an amazing legacy behind. Rowdy Nosser left this world a better place than when he found it and for that we will always be grateful. We will laugh again and smile again…because you lived…because we shared your life with you…because you touched us, one and all in such a uniquely special and tangible way.

Pallbearers will be Lum Wright Jr., Hunter Fordice, Chief Walter Armstrong, Scott Allen, Gary Thomas, Will Hood, Paul Mims, and Peter Mims.

Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Jarvis, Hunter Mitchell, J. E. “Brother” Blackburn Jr., Luke Burnett,  Mark Buys, Pierson Waring, Mayor George Flaggs, and Charles E. “Chip” Donald III.

The Visitation will occur from 10 a.m. Thursday until noon at The Church of the Holy Trinity with the Funeral Service immediately following visitation.

Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The family requests memorial donations be made to:

Vicksburg Catholic School, Warrior Bonfire Program and Rainbow Farms Therapeutic Riding Center.