Ernest James Yancey

Ernest James Yancey, 88, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 2:25 AM. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9:30 AM until service time at Saint Francis de Sales Cathedral. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 AM with burial following at Saint Francis de Sales Cemetery #2. Mr. Yancey was born on September 12, 1923, in Davenport, Iowa. His father, William P. Yancey, Physics and Mathematics Professor at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, deceased when Mr. Yancey was approximately eighteen (18) months of age. His mother, Lydia C. Yancey, moved back to Louisiana with her children. In 1941, Mr. Yancey graduated from Holy Cross High School in New Orleans. He enlisted as Seaman First Class in the U.S. Coast Guard on August 6, 1942 and received an honorable discharge on May 11, 1943. On May 12, 1943, Mr. Yancey enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On June 6, 1943 he became Active Duty in the U.S. Navy and was commissioned as a Naval Aviator on December 12, 1944; he retired from the U.S. Navy on November 20, 1945. On June 22, 1946, Mr. Yancey married Larke Watkins. On May 31, 1948, he graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Science Education. Upon graduation, Mr. Yancey went to work in the marine and oil industry. Mr. Yancey worked in the marine and oil industry for thirty-five (35) years. After retiring from the marine and oil industry, he worked in the beverage industry for about eight (8) years. Also, he was one of the organizers of Synergy Bank of Houma. He was an avid golfer and one of the founders/charter members of Ellendale Country Club. Along with his pre-deceased wife, he was a supporter of the Terrebonne Parish Alliance for the Mentally Ill (TAMI). Mr. Yancey was instrumental in the formation of St. Gregory Parish Catholic Church. He also served on the Terrebonne Parish Port Commission. Mr. Yancey is survived by eight children, Susan Y. Roos, Ernest J. Yancey, Jr., Lydia Y. Beauvais, Paula Y. Guidry, Stanley E. Yancey, Amy L. Yancey, Gregory B. Yancey and Patrick H. Yancey. Also, he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Marianne Y. Landry and William A. Yancey, M.D. He was preceded in death by his wife, Larke Watkins Yancey, mother, Lydia C. Watkins and his father, William P. Yancey. Mr. Yancey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose priority, just like his former wife, was his family. The family extends its gratitude to the many sitters who very caringly and lovingly provided assistance to Mr. Yancey during the last several years of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.