Pershing Joseph Vidrine, Jr.

1949 - 2020

A memorial service for Pershing Vidrine, Jr. will be held at a later date.  

Pershing Joseph Vidrine, Jr., “PJ”, was born on May 19, 1949 to Pershing Joseph Vidrine, Sr., and Elise Marks Vidrine in Opelousas, Louisiana. PJ left his earthly body and ascended to his heavenly home on Saturday, November 21, 2020 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

PJ was born and raised in Louisiana, where he went to school and later in life, joined the United States Air Force. PJ hated school and only went because he had to! But when he wasn’t in school, he was out fishing or riding boats. He used to be a towboat captain and can be remembered reminiscing about his days as a captain to his children.

While stationed in Louisiana, PJ met his dear wife, Carol. The two of them fell deeply in love with one another and professed their love in front of their family and God at a Catholic church in Gretna, Louisiana. PJ and Carol made a tradition of going to Marti Gras every year in Louisiana and continued this tradition for over 10 years. PJ and Carol had three beautiful children together, who later blessed them with many grandchildren, while PJ had a son from his previous marriage. His grandchildren are filled with memories of PJ dancing with their grandmother, Carol, and singing her favorite songs.

As the years passed and memories grew, Carol went to live in an assisted living home. PJ made sure Carol never doubted for one moment how much he loved and missed her; after all, they had been married for over 40 years! He would visit her every chance he got, and while there, would make sure to call his children so they could talk to their mother. PJ’s love for Carol was not something that could be easily missed. His grandchildren are inspired not only by his actions, but also but their own father who they say was “raised to be just as amazing”.

PJ is survived by his beautiful wife, Carol Sue Vidrine; sons, Paul Vidrine and wife, Sandra, Rory Vidrine, and Michael Vidrine and wife, Sabrina; daughter, Traci Vidrine; sisters, Gretchen Hargis and husband, Alvin, and Shirley Stinson; and grandchildren, Chere Vidrine, Paul Vidrine, Jr., Ashlyn Vidrine, Tristan Vidrine, Rachael Porche, Cadence Porche, Matthew Porche, Jacob Porche, Corey Vidrine, Courtney Vidrine, and Tyler Vidrine.

PJ is preceded in death by his dear parents, Pershing Joseph Vidrine, Sr. and Elise Vidrine; and brothers, Wayne Vidrine and Wilbur Vidrine.