Ernest Schroeder

1938 - 2018

Ernest Ray Schroeder

Mar. 10, 1938 - Jan. 21, 2018

Pascagoula, MS

Ernest Ray Schroeder, 79, of Pascagoula, MS, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 10, 1938 in Brooklyn, MS to the late Ellis and Ione Schroeder.

In his younger years, Ernest was a star basketball and tennis player. As a freshman at Perkinston Junior College, he was the leading rebounder, and his team finished second in the nation in scoring. As a sophomore, he was All-State and co-captain and the team finished as runner-up for the South Division title. In tennis, he was undefeated in singles play, and also teamed with Joe McAnulty to go undefeated in doubles play.

After completing two years at Perk, and although he received several scholarship offers to continue playing basketball at small colleges, he elected to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He later graduated from Mississippi State University in 1960 and University of Mississippi Law School in 1963.

A partner at the offices of Bryan, Nelson, Schroeder, Castigliola, & Banahan, PLLC since 1968, Ernest practiced law until his retirement in 2004. He served as Jackson County Public Defender in 1968 and Pascagoula City Attorney from 1970 until 1973.

He loved his family and lived life to the fullest every day. Everyone who knew him loved him dearly as he was known for making everyone around him laugh. He will be remembered for his generous and giving spirit.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Frances Jones Schroeder; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Whitney Armond; step-sons, Michael (Lisa) Benfield and James Benfield; grandchildren, Ellis Alexandra Armond, Emilia Kell Armond, Tyler Benfield, Christopher Benfield, and Melody Benfield; sister, Ann (Bruce) Jones; and family dog, Nickie Saban; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Pascagoula. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jay Cook officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula.

Pallbearers will be John Banahan, Vincent Castigliola, Ben Mullen, Matt Perkins, Michael Moore, and Calen Wills. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Horn, Bobby Gaines, Allen Walters, Jim Epting, Terry Sharlow, Doug Brown, LeRoy Faucett, and Mark Frederic.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Pascagoula, or the American Heart Association.

Heritage Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, in Escatawpa/Moss Point, MS is in charge of arrangements. You may view and sign the online register book for Ernest Ray Schroeder at www.heritagefuneralhome.us