Ferdie Fontenot Jr.

FERDIE FONTENOT, JR. was born September 30, 1933 in Ville Platte, Louisiana to Ferdie Fontenot, Sr. and Hermance Antoine. He attended James Stevens School and resided on West Pine Street in Ville Platte, Louisiana. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age and was baptized by Rev. S. W. Pullen of St. John Baptist Church in Ville Platte.

FERDIE married the beautiful Gloria Jean Fontenot on June 14, 1956 and, to this union, five children were born.

FERDIE was very mechanically inclined and had a deep passion for auto mechanics. From the age of 16, he worked at various auto mechanic repair shops in Ville Platte, including Ardoin Auto Sales and Kerby Alfred Repair Shop. During June 1969, he received a certificate for his participation in The Neighborhood Nutrition Program at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College.

FERDIE decided to migrate to Richmond, California during 1971 with his family to pursue better opportunities. His strong ambition led him to continue to enhance his knowledge in auto mechanics by attending Contra Costa College in San Pablo as well as the Motorcycle Mechanic Training Center in Oakland, while simultaneously holding down positions at Gibson Hanion Company in Richmond and Neil Sadler Auto Repair and Towing in Berkeley.

FERDIE became employed by Curtis Baker Trucking Company in El Sobrante as a Truck Driver Mechanic. It was here where he acquired a new passion for 18--‐wheel trucks and possessed a lengthy career as a Truck Driver for Acme Transportation, hauling acid, diesel fuel, etc. to large corporations including Chevron, Geysers Power Plant, and Union Oil.

FERDIE loved the Lord. He and his family fellowshipped and became long ‐ time members of The G.L.A. (God’s Little Acre) Mission in Richmond under the leadership of Rev. Scipio Wigfall. He also worshipped with Garden of Peace Ministries in Richmond under the leadership of his cousin, Pastor Henry Washington. Aside from his passion for auto mechanics, Ferdie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching Western Movies with his favorite actor, John Wayne. He also had a great appreciation for sports, especially NASCAR Races with Jeff Gordon.

FERDIE was a soft spoken and humble spirited man; a natural philosopher as well. Even while chastising his children, he made certain that they understood the full detail of their reprimand with extensive lectures.

FERDIE and Gloria relocated to Cypress, Texas during 2009 where they enjoyed family and friends until he received his wings on the morning of June 25, 2015. He will be truly missed by all.