Ernest William “Ernie” Pickett III, age 77, of Liberty, Texas, passed away on August 13, 2026, after a year-long battle with recurrent strokes. Throughout his illness, Ernie faced every challenge with incredible grace, courage, and determination.
Born on November 12, 1948, at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, Ernie was the cherished son of Ernest William “Bill” Pickett, Jr. and Marie Elizabeth “Betty” Bruce. Although born in Houston, he was raised in Liberty, Texas, the hometown of his ancestors and the place he proudly called home throughout his life. Deeply rooted in family traditions, lifelong friendships, and community, Liberty always held a special place in Ernie’s heart.
Ernie carried forward the legacy of his grandparents, Ernest William “Ernie” Pickett, Sr. and Mary Olivia Ellis, whose values of perseverance, character, and devotion to family helped shape the man he became.
A proud graduate of Liberty High School’s Class of 1966, Ernie was voted Most Popular during his senior year, a reflection of the warmth, easy smile, and genuine kindness that would define him throughout his life. He attended The University of Texas at Austin before continuing his studies at Lamar University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.
In his early years, Ernie worked nights at Allison Funeral Home and later served as an orderly at Kersting Hospital, experiences that reflected his caring nature and strong work ethic. He went on to serve as Vice President of Stanley Well Service, Inc. before founding Pickett Oilfield Services, Inc. in 1988. Through his company, Ernie built a successful career buying and selling oilfield equipment throughout the United States and internationally, earning the respect of colleagues and business associates through his knowledge, integrity, and determination.
Ernie was first married to Cheryl Lou Carr in 1974, and together they welcomed their son, Ernest William “Ernie” Pickett IV. They shared many wonderful years until her passing in 2004.
In 2006, Ernie married Samantha Phillips, beginning a chapter filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Ernie and Samantha shared a love for traveling the world, especially visiting beautiful beach destinations and creating memories together. Their home away from home at Crystal Beach, Texas, became a place where they enjoyed countless moments together and built lifelong friendships. Whether hosting pool parties at their home in Hardin or entertaining friends at the beach, Ernie found joy in bringing people together.
Above all else, Ernie adored Samantha. He loved spoiling her with grand gestures, making her feel cherished, and together they were known for lighting up the dance floor and enjoying every moment life had to offer. Their love was evident to everyone fortunate enough to know them.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Ernest William “Ernie” Pickett, Sr. and Mary Olivia Ellis; his maternal grandmother, Tillie Violet “Lulie” Bush; and his first wife, Cheryl Lou Carr.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Samantha; son and business partner, Ernie Pickett IV, and wife, Stacie; stepsons, Weston Jones and Bracken Jones and wife, April; stepdaughter, Delayna Jones; cherished grandchildren, Madalyn Pickett, Caiden Pickett, Hagen Jones, Raegen Jones, Eli Jones, Emmarie Jones, and Emerson Jones; brothers, Richard Nolan Pickett, Sr., and wife, Scarlett, and Jeffrey Bruce Pickett and wife, Lana; along with a host of treasured cousins, lifelong friends, and many others whose lives were made richer by knowing him.
Ernie’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, loved him, and were forever better for having shared in his life. He will be laid to rest within the sacred grounds of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Cemetery, surrounded by generations of family whose legacy he carried with pride.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, between 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Faith and Family Funeral Services in Batson, Texas. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Cemetery in Liberty, Texas with Pastor Tolbert Hudspeth and Deacon Fred Lemond Jr. officiating.
Honoring Ernie as pallbearers are Ernie Pickett IV, Weston Jones, Bracken Jones, Delayna Jones, Caiden Pickett, and Hagen Jones. Honorary pallbearers are Eli Jones, Emerson “Jimmy” Jones, Madalyn Pickett, Raegen Jones and Emmarie Jones.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ernie’s memory to the Liberty Municipal Library, either through a monetary contribution or book donation, to honor his lifelong love of reading and learning.