Ernest Joseph Pichon

Ernest Joseph Pichon passed away Monday December 12, 2016, his 77th birthday. He was born December 12, 1939 to the late Sidney Patrick Pichon, Sr. and Zita Delores Narcisse Pichon in Slidell, LA. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary and graduated in 1958 from St. Tammany High School in Slidell. Ernie served honorably for 4 years as a Quartermaster in the active-duty U.S. Navy. On August 22, 1964, Ernie wed Wilma Grace Ravard, of Echo, LA. To this union, two children were born: Kevin and Karen; an additional two children were called home to Christ as infants. They lived most of their life as a family in Los Angeles (Inglewood) California. Ernie and Wilma moved to Hawkinsville, Georgia in 1992 and on to Natchez, LA in 2002. During Ernie’s professional life he worked in the aerospace industry as a Jig-Builder, primarily with Northrop-Grumman in Hawthorne, California and Perry, Georgia. He also worked as an Operations Supervisor in the trucking industry for Lee Way Motor Freight and Ryder/PIE. In addition to his professional life, in many varying ministries he served his church communities of St. Eugene’s in Los Angeles; Sacred Heart in Warner-Robbins, GA; and St. Augustine in Isle Brevelle. “Uncle Ernie” as he is affectionately known by so many, loved sports, especially baseball. His love for and involvement with and encouragement of youth in sports as a coach, mentor and primarily as a robustly vocal cheerleader was infectious. “Uncle Ernie’s” main phrase of inspiration, “You Gotta Want It!!” is seared into the minds of a generation. Ernie loved life and he loved to lead the second-line, however, his most treasured loves were his grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Wilma Pichon; a son, Kevin Pichon; a daughter Karen Pichon; one grandson, Kavi and five granddaughters, Megan, Lily, Natalie, Kamia and Chloe; twelve siblings: Sidney P. Pichon, Jr. (deceased) (Dorothy), Larry M. Pichon (Brenda), Mary P. Battle, Ulysses Pichon (Rise), Gazelle P. Rose (Charles), Claudia P. Campbell, Armon Pichon (Dale), Malcolm Pichon, Elwin Pichon, Geri P. Medlin (Bennie), Regina P. Harrison, Ursula P. Paige; also a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear and close friends. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, December 17, 2016 St. Augustine Catholic Church Isle Brevelle, Louisiana Visitation: 8am-10:15am followed by Rosary and Holy Mass at 11am