Jimmy Lee Eppinette, age 92, loving husband, father, brother, papaw and pastor passed away peacefully on the morning of February 27, 2022, at his home in Downsville. Jimmy was born September 5, 1929, in Vicksburg, MS, to Ida and Luther Eppinette. He grew up surrounded by a large family of 6 siblings and graduated from Ouachita High School in 1946.
While in school at Louisiana College, he surrendered to the ministry. He then went on to receive his Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Seminary. His dedication to the ministry spanned 68 years, and he served all of his congregations faithfully.
Jimmy greatly enjoyed his family and was a “hands-on” papaw. He took pride in his yearly garden, and often shared his crop with friends and neighbors. Although he will be greatly missed by all, we are confident that his faith has made sight!
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Charles Eppinette, James Eppinette, Juanita Clawson, and Laney Lowe; and son, Dr. James M. Eppinette.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jerry Odom Eppinette; sons, John Eppinette (Debbie), and Jeff Eppinette (Carolyn); daughter-in-law, Terry Eppinette; brother, Eugene Eppinette (Sharon); sister, Loretta Wink; seven grandchildren, Brad Eppinette (Sierra), Erin Eppinette Foster (Clint), Sara Eppinette Reeves (Trey), Kasie Eppinette Rainwater (Lee), Joylin Eppinette Fontenot (Davis), Alyssa Eppinette, and Abby Eppinette; seven great grandchildren, Atlee Foster, Will Reeves, Lexie Eppinette, Merritt Foster, Jonah Reeves, Hunter Eppinette, and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service honoring his life will be held 3:00 P.M., Thursday, March 3, 2022, at First West Feazel Chapel in West Monroe, LA, with Rev. Bill Crider and Rev. Barry Joyner officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Calhoun, LA. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Thursday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Greg Odom, Lee Rainwater, Clint Foster, Trey Reeves, Wayne Wiltshire, Brad Eppinette, Dr. Ken Wink, and Davis Fontenot.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jay Blakeney, Chuck Eppinette, Jay Eppinette, and Wes Lowe.
Memorials may be made to the Jimmy and Jerry Eppinette Missions and Ministry Scholarship Fund at Louisiana College (Office of Advancement: 1140 College Drive, Box 587, Pineville, LA 71359).
The family appreciates the wonderful care given to our family by Louisiana Hospice.