George Gremillion

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 4, 2010

BUNKIE, La. — A mass of Christian burial for George Pierre Gremillion, 84, of Bunkie, La., who died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with the Rev. Jack Michalchuk officiating.

Burial will follow at Gates of Heaven Mausoleum in Bunkie under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home in Bunkie.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., today with vigil service at 5:30 p.m., and a rosary recited at 7 p.m.

Mr. Gremillion was born Jan. 30, 1926, in Bunkie, the son of John and Josephine Gremillion. He grew up on a farm near Bunkie, one of 13 siblings. Farming was his lifeblood. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, he returned to Bunkie and farmed with his father-in-law and then with his only son, Paul. His farm not only included the growing of crops, but the raising of a number of farm animals. Even after retirement, he was proud of his horses and Charlais cattle herd. He was an accomplished gardener who shared his produce with all those around him. He enjoyed woodworking, having spent a number of years as a carpenter. His home, on the old Leinster Plantation, was surrounded by a large pecan and peach orchard.

Mr. Gremillion was a faithful member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church for 60 years. He was a quiet Christian man of deep faith and devoted prayer life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Eloise B. Gremillion.

Survivors include one son, Paul Gremillion and wife, Ann, of Bunkie; two daughters, Evelyn Fairbanks and Dick Thompson, both of Natchez, and Anne Bain of Bunkie; “Pappa George” is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jennifer Gauthier, Maggie Gremillion, Catherine Gremillion, Angelle Mathers, Maureen “Muffy” O’Neal, Will Bain, David Bain and Emily Bain Woodard; eight great-grandchildren, Luke, Nick, Parker, Rebecca, Jackson, Kade, Konnor and Piper; two brothers, Maurice Gremillion and Roy Gremillion; and three sisters, Mabel Aymond, Anne Rachal and Theresa Gremillion.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Will and David Bain, Derik Gauthier, Kelly O’Neal, Ashley Woodard and special nephew, Rusty Gremillion.

Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or St. Anthony Catholic School in Bunkie.