Jeanerette – Funeral Services will be conducted for Ernest Edward Williams, Sr., Age 85, at 11:00AM Friday May 11, 2012 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Charles Langlois and Father Jody Simoneaux con-celebrating. Interment will follow at St. John’s Mausoleum. Visitation will be Thursday May 10, 2012 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume Friday from 8:00AM until service time. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

A native of Biloxi, Mississippi and longtime resident of Jeanerette, Mr. Williams died Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 10:15PM at his residence in Jeanerette.

Mr. Williams was owner/operator of Williams True Value Hardware and Tire Service from 1973 until 1989. He was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Jeanerette Retail Merchants, the Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus Council #1425, the American Legion Lee Gautreaux Post #26 and the VFW. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the St. John the Evangelist Cemetery Board.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Iola Derise Williams of Jeanerette; children, Elizabeth Andrepont and husband Dirk of Opelousas, Patricia Michel and husband Bennett of Jeanerette, Mary Dean and husband Michael and Iola Bordelon and husband Bruce all of Dallas, Texas, Ernest Williams, Jr. and wife Mary of Richmond, Texas, Robert Williams and wife Debra of Plano, Texas, Michael Williams and wife Trudy of Jeanerette and Stephen Williams of New Iberia; one brother, Jerry Bourgeois and wife Danell of Bridge City; 29 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emery Williams and Adele Aucoin Bourgeois; his step father, Cleve Bourgeois; one sister, Emma Del Pitre; three brothers, Sherman and Nolan Bourgeois and Wilfred Williams.

Pallbearers will be Ernest Williams, Jr., Robert, Michael and Stephen Williams, James Dirk Andrepont, Bennett Michel, James Michael Dean and Bruce Bordelon.

David Funeral Home, 400 Provost St. Jeanerette, La. (337)276-5151 is in charge of arrangements.