Much like when Johnny’s Restaurant and Drive-In closed its doors, an era ended with the death of the former owner. Johnnie Nosser died Thursday, April 12, 2007. He was 84.

But, the taste of Johnnie sauce, now called Nosser sauce, and batter fries still lingers for the hundreds of Vicksburg natives who remember the restaurant and drive-in Nosser ran on Washington and Lee streets for more than two decades. It was the hangout.

&#8220People would socialize and get in and out of cars,” said Gloria Abraham Dornbusch, who graduated from H.V. Cooper High School in 1965. &#8220The times were innocent, and the food was delicious.”

The building, opened in 1953 as Abe’s BBQ Stand, spent years as a drive-in and restaurant before the drive-in was closed and Nosser Marine was opened on the same lot. That business today is operated by Nosser’s son, Johnnie Nosser Jr.

But, the selection of food – &#8220You could go order the best onion rings and Johnnie’s sauce,” Dornbusch said – wasn’t all that Nosser served up at his drive-in.

&#8220He was always there. He was so cordial and congenial. He was just the sweetest man,” said Donna Nasif Thornton, 57. &#8220Everybody was welcome. It was like a big, happy family.”

And family was Nosser’s lifeblood, his granddaughter, Cathi Verhine said.

&#8220He was a very loving family man. Family was the world to him,” she said.

The youngest in a family of 10, Nosser wasn’t the only business-savvy sibling. Three of his brothers, who all preceded him in death, started their own Vicksburg businesses. Albert ran Humpty Dumpty, a grocery store; Fred ran the Glass Kitchen; Larry ran the Beechwood.

Family was his first love, but fishing ran a close second, said fishing buddy Bob Gordon, who bought his first boat from Nosser and went on fishing outings with him until about two years ago.

&#8220As old as he was, he could fish all day long,” he said. &#8220It didn’t matter whether he caught any fish or not.”

His granddaughter, Lindsey Dornbusch, said she remembers when he taught her to fish. He also taught her to ride a bike on the site of Nosser’s Marine, where tile from the restaurant kitchen could still be seen.

Dornbusch added that her grandfather served in the U.S. Army and was a prisoner of war twice during World War II.

He was also awarded a Purple Heart, she said.

In addition to his son, Nosser is survived by two daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Riles Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.