Ernest Pickard

Ernest “Oakie” Pickard, age 75 of Knoxville, passed away Sunday December 2, 2018 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. He was a football player with Central High School and graduated in 1961and he was a lifetime Central High School Athletic supporter. He then went to the University of North Carolina as a line backer where he graduated with his BA. He was in the Marine Corp Reserve, owner/operator with Pickard Distributing since 1985. He was a regular at Sam and Andy’s in Fountain City where he was known for his stories and embellishments. Oakie was a member of Norwood United Methodist Church. Survived by his wife of 54 years and high school sweetheart Ozella (Grubb) Pickard, daughters Kellie and Mike Buckner, Kristi and Rodney Helton (all graduates of Central High School), grandchildren, the joy of his life, Lilyana Oakley Helton, Oakley Don Helton and Kallee Rose Helton, brother Larry Pickard, a host of nieces and nephews, special friends “The Crew”, Sam and Andy’s and Panera Bread gang. Celebration of life will be held at 6:00pm Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel, Rev. Melissa Smith officiating. Family will receive friends immediately following the service. Honorary pallbearers: “The Crew”. The family asks that memorials be made to Central High School Athletic Foundation c/o Central High School 5321 Jacksboro Pike Knoxville, TN 37918. Please leave online condolences at www.mynattfh.com