Harry John Pinell, Jr.

Abbeville – A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted for Harry John Pinell, Jr., 88, at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Frioux Funeral Chapel of Abbeville with Rev. Cody Bryant, Rev. Steven Pinell, and Rev. Blake Pinell officiating. Interment will follow at Beau Pre Cemetery in Jeanerette.

Visitation will be held at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Monday, April 28, 2025, beginning at 4:00PM until 8:00PM. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 8:00AM until the time of the services.

Harry John Pinell, Jr., of Erath, LA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Harry was born on September 18th, 1936 in Louisa, LA, to Harry John "Babe" Pinell, Sr., and Mabel Guillotte Pinell, both of Louisa, LA. He was the oldest of five children. He lived a long, full life and was a member of the Abbeville Pentecostal Church.

When Harry graduated from Franklin Senior High school in Franklin, LA, in 1956, he was awarded a full football scholarship. However, he chose instead to marry the love of his life and begin their family. Harry married LeQuita Jones Pinell of Baldwin, LA. They were wed in Jeanerette, LA on June 8, 1957. They went on to have 8 children and Harry was a wonderful father. He instilled in his children hard work and dedication, teaching his sons many occupational skills and taking care of his daughters.

In addition to being an avid fisherman, Harry was also a hardworking man. He had many skills, including carpenter, welder, electrician, plumber, pipefitter, structural fitter, and many more. At the age of 21, Harry was the youngest driller in the oilfield. When the diamond drilling bit was invented in 1964, he was the first person in the oilfield industry to use the diamond bit in the drilling operation for oil. He went on to serve as rig manager until he retired from the oilfield in 1970. He then began commercial shrimping, owning his own shrimp boat, and moved on to become a licensed boat captain. Harry was a hardworking family man who always provided for his wife and children. He was a great man who loved his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Elsie LeQuita Jones Pinell; four sons, Donald Ray Pinell of Greenland, AR, David Eugene Pinell of North Carolina, Reverend Steven Michael Pinell and wife Sue Pinell of Greenville, SC, and William Scott Pinell of Erath; three daughters, Rebecca Darlene Pinell Parfait and husband Easton of Erath, Deborah Lynn Pinell and her fiancé Juston Schouest of Erath, and Elois Lequita Pinell of New Iberia; a brother, William Charles Pinell and his wife Elizabeth Pinell; a step brother, Jackie Alexander; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harry J. Pinell. Sr. and Mable Guillotte Pinell Alexander; a son, Harry J. Pinell, III; a brother, Ronald James Pinell, Sr.; two sisters, Lois Firmin and Barbara Thibodeaux; a granddaughter, Raven SynClaire Pinell; His stepfather, Reverend T.C. Alexander; a stepbrother, Arlen Alexander; and a stepsister Delores Alexander.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Brett Pinell, Rev. Blake Pinell, Charles “Chuckie” Grindley, Derek Pinell, Zachary Pinell, and Juston Schouest.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Chuck Grindley, Easton Parfait, Ryan Simon, and Danny Jarrell.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be in charge of the arrangements