Author: Barney Wills

Justin Herring Mississippi Obituary, Death: Engineer Justin R. Herring, passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 40. With a remarkable spirit and unwavering dedication to his community, Justin’s presence was felt far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who knew him. Born and raised in Long Beach, Justin was a shining example of resilience, compassion, and commitment.

An engineer by profession, he demonstrated incredible skill in his field, applying his knowledge and expertise to tackle challenges with creativity and resolve. However, what truly set Justin apart was his burning desire to serve others, particularly as a dedicated firefighter with the Gulfport Fire Department. This service was not merely a job for him; it was a calling that he embraced wholeheartedly.

Justin’s journey as a firefighter began with a passion for helping those in need. He joined the Gulfport Fire Department, where he quickly earned respect and admiration from his colleagues and community for his bravery and selflessness. As an Engineer, Justin played a crucial role in responding to emergencies, providing support during crises, and ensuring the safety of those around him. His unwavering commitment to duty was underscored by countless hours spent training and preparing, always striving to be a beacon of hope for those in distress.

The Gulfport Fire Department expressed it best: “Justin served with courage, dedication, and compassion, and his absence leaves an immeasurable void in our department and our hearts.” His fellow firefighters remember him not only for his technical skills and professionalism but also for his ability to lift spirits and foster camaraderie. Justin’s laughter could brighten the darkest days, and his wisdom helped guide many during challenging times.

While Justin was dedicated to his work, he approached family life with the same fervor. He was well known for his ability to create lasting memories, whether through spontaneous adventures or quiet, heartfelt moments at home. Whether he was coaching his children in sports, sharing stories around the dinner table, or cheering them on from the sidelines, Justin instilled values of bravery, kindness, and resilience in his family. He often emphasized the importance of service to others, inspiring those around him to contribute positively to the world.

Justin had a natural flair for storytelling, and his ability to connect with people made him a beloved figure in his community. Whether at work, in his neighborhood, or during community events, he had a talent for making everyone feel seen and appreciated. His friends often recalled the countless campfire evenings filled with laughter, stories, and camaraderie—moments where Justin’s humor and warmth illuminated the night.

The shock of Justin’s passing has left his family, friends, and community grappling with profound grief. As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of the vibrant life he led and the Light he brought to our world. Justin’s legacy of compassion, duty, and love will remain a guiding force in the lives of all he touched. It is essential to remember that while he is no longer physically with us, the spirit he embodied will continue to inspire generations.

In honor of Justin’s memory, a visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, located at 366 Cowan Rd, Gulfport. A prayer service will commence at noon to honor his remarkable life and legacy. Following the service, a procession will escort his loved ones to the Riemann Family Funeral Home at 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. A reception will be held in the funeral home community room from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for all who knew Justin to share memories and support one another during this difficult time.

Justin, you will forever be missed, but your impact will continue to guide us. Thank you for the courage you displayed, the joy you brought into our lives, and the compassion you extended to everyone around you. May you rest in peace knowing that we will honor your legacy and keep your memory alive. Your light will shine in the hearts of all who knew you, and we will strive to be the kind of people you inspired us to be.

Suresh Unni, Ph.D., LCSW Obituary, Oak Park IL Death: Suresh Unni, Ph.D., LCSW, a deeply respected therapist, beloved husband, dedicated father, and cherished friend, passed away at the age of 51. Suresh’s unexpected departure has left a profound void in our hearts, a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.

Suresh was born to Ramakrishnan and Sarala Unni, where he grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. He attended Andrean High School, where he first began to gather the wonderful friends who would be a constant presence in his life. His passion for understanding human behavior led him to earn his BA, and both an MA and a PhD in social work from the esteemed Loyola University. His unwavering commitment to the field of social work, coupled with his extensive knowledge and compassionate approach, enabled him to touch the lives of countless individuals. Suresh dedicated his professional life to helping others heal and grow, and he was a beacon of hope for many who entered his office seeking guidance and support.

As a therapist and professor, Suresh exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his clients and students on a profound level. He possessed an extraordinary gift for listening and validating the experiences of others. Many of his clients have shared how his insight, empathy, and gentle humor helped them navigate through their difficulties. His dedication to his craft was instrumental in fostering a therapeutic environment that encouraged honesty and healing, empowering individuals to overcome their struggles.

Outside of his professional life, Suresh cherished spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Angela, and a nurturing father to their cherished daughter, Amaya. Suresh deeply loved his family and would often express pride in their accomplishments and joys. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, dad jokes, and the warmth of his infectious spirit. The memories created during these moments will remain an everlasting tribute to his love and commitment.

Suresh’s interests were as diverse as his talents. He had a deep love for Chicago sports, especially the Bears, which often led to spirited debates and enthusiastic cheers on game days. His excitement for sports was matched only by his fascination with Shark Week, which he relished watching with unwavering enthusiasm. He was an avid UFC fan who enjoyed discussions about fighters and their strategies. Suresh was also a musician at heart; playing guitar was a beloved pastime that brought him joy and contentment. Music was a universal language for Suresh, and he shared this passion with those closest to him, often inviting family and friends to join him in impromptu jam sessions.

His playful nature and sense of humor resonated with everyone he encountered. Suresh had a knack for delivering dad jokes that elicited groans and laughter in equal measure. With every joke, he had the ability to lighten the mood, reminding everyone that humor holds a special place in the fabric of our lives. His warmth and charm were simply magnetic, drawing friends and family closer, where they felt safe and cherished.

In addition to his work as a therapist and his vibrant interests, Suresh was fascinated by Chinese medicine, diligently studying and even earning certification in the field. His curiosity about holistic health and wellness reflected his desire to further understand the diverse dimensions of healing. He often expressed a belief in integrating various approaches to health, illustrating the depth of his commitment to the well-being of others.

Suresh’s life was deeply impacted by the loss of his younger brother Santosh Unni, whose memory always remained close to his heart. The bond between the two brothers was a testament to the deep love and support that defined their relationship. Although Santosh is no longer with us, Suresh carried his memory forward, honoring the love and lessons learned through their connection.

Suresh is survived by his loving wife, Angela, who was his partner in every sense of the word, and their light, daughter, Amaya, who was his pride and joy. He is also remembered fondly by his parents, Ramakrishnan and Sarala Unni, and his brother, Ramesh Unni (Sajil), along with his cherished nephew, Dheven Unni, and nieces, Asha and Sahana Unni. The Unni family, and the many cousins, in-laws, friends, and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing Suresh, will forever miss man who brought joy to their lives.

As we remember Suresh, we invite those who knew and loved him to gather in celebration of his life. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 p.m. During the service, we will share stories, laughter, and tears, honoring the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to serving others and created a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to be made in Suresh Unni’s name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.org) to reflect his commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy. This gesture not only serves to honor Suresh’s memory, but also enables us to continue his mission of supporting those in need.