Memorial services for Mr. John P. Pickett, Sr. will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Pinehurst Baptist Church, Ball, Louisiana with Rev. Kevin Paul officiating. Private family burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, Louisiana, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana.

Mr. Pickett, age 85, of Ball, Louisiana, entered eternal rest peacefully, surrounded by his devoted wife and children on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at his residence. John fought a long courageous battle with prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and stroke induced dementia for 7 years. His faith in Christ and determination has been a witness to us all.

He graduated high school from Hot Springs High School in Arkansas. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas, Monticello, Arkansas. Additionally he earned his Master’s Degree and plus 90 from East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas and Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana in School Administration and Special Education.

John was lovingly known as “Daddy” to his children and “Grandpa” and “Pepaw” to his 13 grandchildren and great grandchildren. John’s career always focused on helping young men and women. He was a coach for 13 years in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. He spent over 25 years as the School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent at the Louisiana Training Institute (L.T.I.) for girls. He ended his career as Special Education Jobs Coordinator for the Grant Parish School Board.

He loved to fish, “talk politics”, read western novels and watch and feed his birds. He loved any activity with his family especially fishing on Little River in “Big Creek”. He also loved athletics and watching his kids and grandkids play ball as well as the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a grace filled man who was gentle, but tough as nails. He loved Jesus very much and taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon at Pinehurst Baptist Church in Ball, beginning in 1963 until he was unable to. His prayers and confidence in Jesus Christ always brought his family through the tough times and will stand as a legacy to us all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Lafayette Pickett and Anne Embry Pickett Echols; brothers, Reuben Pickett, JL Pickett, Embry Pickett and David Pickett.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Omega Pickett; three children, Karen Williford, Johnny Pickett and James Pickett; one sister, Sarah Elizabeth (Beth) Boone; grandchildren, Kevin Williford, Chris Williford, Seth Williford, Kelsey Williford, Bradley Pickett, Justin Pickett, Madeline Pickett, JD Pickett; great grandchildren, Reese, Rylee, Maddie, Aiden and Gavin.

Flowers may be sent to Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Pinehurst Baptist Church, 484 Daniels Rd., Ball, Louisiana.

Friends may post online messages of condolence for the Pickett family by visiting www.gallagherfh.com.