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Earl Bernhardt Obituary
Earl Bernhardt passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019 at age 80. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Herman August and Janie Bernhardt.
Earl graduated Hattiesburg High School in 1957 and studied journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi. Earl was the owner of Tropical Isle Inc. and is known as the Co-inventor of the world-famous Hand Grenade. Prior to his career in New Orleans, Mr. Bernhardt was a country music radio personality known as "Earl Hart" in Hattiesburg for 27 years. Earl was also a member of Petal First Baptist Church in Petal, MS.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Overstreet Bernhardt; three daughters, Lisa Conroy (Tom), Emily West (Ed), and Jennifer Scott (John); seven grandchildren, Destin Dickinson, Thomas Conroy, Bradley Haring, Kevin Conroy, Eric West, David Scott and Benjamin Scott; 5 Great-grandchildren, Parker Haring, Lane Hatten, Keliegh Haring, Taylor Conroy and Easton Dickinson; one sister, Frances Sudduth (Phil); and his business partner, Pamela Fortner.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a public visitation on Monday, December 16, 2019 in the Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, beginning at 11am followed by a Celebration of Life at 1pm. A reception will follow the service at Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St.
There will be another service held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Petal, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Petal First Baptist Church, 992 Hwy 42 Petal, MS 39465; Holy Cross Anglelican School, P.O.Box 59 San Pedro Ambergis Cage, Belize, Central America.To view and sign the Funeral Guest Book online, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Bernhardt
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
JACKIE BROWN
March 5, 2020
EARL WAS A GREAT BOSS TO WORK FOR HE GAVE ME A CHANCE TO HAVE A NEW LIFE WHEN NO ONE WOULD OFFER ME A CHANCE I WAS DOWN AND OUT WITH OUT A PLACE TO LIVE HE REACH OUT TO LAUGHTER AND HIS SMILE HE WILL BE MISS MOST DEARLY
Katrina Glapion
December 22, 2019
May your beautiful soul rest peacefully.
Jerry Wenzel
December 17, 2019
We got to know Earl and Pam when we moved in next door in 2005 on Orleans. Over the years we have traded stories and visited on many occasions talking about his travels, family, cars, pets, and other general topics of interest. He will be greatly missed and was a very generous man helping others and always giving back to the community. We offer our thoughts and prayers to Earl's family and Pam, and appreciate his friendship and company throughout the years.
Jerry & Marlene Wenzel
December 17, 2019
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:19)
Phil Hadaway
December 17, 2019
Earl, it was great to know you all the years I frequented Tropical Isle and Orleans Grapevine. You will truly be missed. May you Rest in Peace.
December 17, 2019
You were a "Larger than life" person that always reminded me of my wonderful memories of living in the French Quarter years ago before returning home to Key West.
All the neighbors have "raised on to you "
Patricia (Pat) Madiedo
BHHS Knight Gardner Realty
Property Management
Forever in our hearts
Lisa & Andy Birrell
December 16, 2019
Loren and Kathy McLane
December 16, 2019
Our Heartfelt condolences to Pam and all of Earl's family.
He touched a lot of lives!
Norman Carnovale
December 13, 2019
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I can't imagine the loss.
Cheryl Cline Pace
December 13, 2019
I worked for Earl & Pam for over 35 years, beginning during the 84 World's Fair. He was my greatest cheerleader, always acknowledging me as an artist greater than to what I could measure, encouraging me always. One of my closest friends, my life definitely takes a shift now he is away.
Kelly & Steve Goulet
December 12, 2019
Our sincerest condolences to Earl's wife and family, as well as to his business partner in Handgrenades, Pam. We are two of the fortunate parrot heads who were graced with Earl's wonderful presence, both at NOLA and at Put In Bay, OH. He was a kind hearted soul, and he will be missed. RIP, Earl, and sail on.
Stanley Shaw
December 12, 2019
Heart felt condolences from my wife Gabi and myself. We've only known Earl for a few years, but always enjoyed his company in Key West.
Hazell Boyce
December 12, 2019
My condolences go out to Pam and his loved ones.
stacie daley
December 12, 2019
Earl,
Your beautiful blue eyes I will miss. You were always so fair minded, observant and a great marketer and communicator. Heaven definitely gained an angel and New Orleans as well Pam and your family and friends will miss you dearly.
RIP - Stacie Daley
John Holton
December 10, 2019
I worked for Earl on the weekends at WBKH Radio Station in the 60s. Earl was a pleasure to work for. On the weekends the station played Rock & Roll music. Earl kicked things off on Saturday morning followed by a man named Don Purvis. Both were very popular personalities.
I wish to express my condolences to Marty and Jennifer.
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