We are deeply saddened by the passing of Henry C. “Hank” Moity. He died peacefully at his home on January 22, 2014 in Picayune, Mississippi. He was born on November 2, 1925 in New Iberia, La. In his early years, Henry was in the care of Hope Haven Orphanage. He graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School. He developed a talent for boxing at St. Mary’s Italian Gym. After the United States entered World War II, Henry's patriotism inspired him to join the Navy. His first assignment was on the USS Ranger. Later, Henry served on the USS Missouri from 1945-1946 as Seaman First Class, where he successfully boxed in the United States, Istanbul, Greece, Italy, England, and Scotland, and he later boxed professionally. He personally witnessed the formal surrender of Japan to the US and their allies on September 2, 1945. Henry considered this special honor one of the highlights of his life. Henry's civic duty continued when he joined the New Orleans Police Department in 1948, and retiring in 1963. Combining knowledge gained, relationships nurtured, and his sharp-as-a-tack instincts, Henry was hired as Chief Maritime Investigator of the Admiralty Law Division for Phelps, Dunbar in 1966 and retired after 25 years of service. Henry is survived by his loving wife, Elsie Moity. He is survived by his four children: Denise, Susan (Pat), Dayna and Michael (Viktoriya); one sister Theda; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria. His children will remember him as compassionate, dedicated, and inspirational, noting that their father was a man who went against the odds offering great inspiration to their lives. His sense of humor, passion for singing in his own version of Italian, and respect for his friends will forever describe his spirit. Henry was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Picayune, Ms. Please join us in the celebration of his life. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m.. with Mass following at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at Biloxi National Cemetery -pending due to weather.