Graveside services for Earl B. Pickering, of Picayune, are 2p.m. today, Sept. 22, at Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery inFranklin County. Brookhaven Funeral Home is in charge ofarrangements.

Mr. Pickering, 82, died Sept. 22, 2006, at his residence. He wasborn in New Orleans, La., on Oct. 1, 1923, to John Pickering andHessie Mae Martin Merrill.

He was a pipeline inspector/welder. He was a U.S. Navy veteranof World War II.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors are his wife, Gertie Larsen Pickering, of Picayune;his son, Jimmy Merrill, of Landers, Wyo.; his daughters, LindaGatlin, of Picayune, and Beverly Pickering, of Brookhaven; and histwo grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.