Ernest Wisby "POP"

     On May 7, 1958, Ernest was born in Galveston, TX to Ernest Wisby, Jr. and Josie Torry Wisby.  He soon gained the nickname “POP”.  As he continued to grow, we all knew why because he just might pop up anywhere with anything.  Anything was no less and not limited to snakes, lizards, frogs, cats, and dogs.  Needless to say, they may be jarred or unjarred; caged or uncaged; dead or alive but nevertheless, he kept a laboratory full of specimens. He stayed busy from sunup to sundown, always on expedition. 

     He was raised in Texas City, attended school there, and was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. Wisby at Greater Barbour’s Chapel Baptist Church.  “POP” was the perfect Boy Scout, always prepared to assist some poor, miserable, and deserted animal that was in despair. He was handy and inquisitive about anything that moved and had a heart or a motor.  He would pack lunch, fill the canteen with water, and away he went. Someone always had to go looking for him, but he knew when the streetlight came on, he had better make it to the house and hide all that plunder in the garage. He stayed prepared for the next adventure. 

     Ernest attended Texas City High School and graduated from Jack Yates High School in Houston Texas. After high school, he attended college pursuing a degree in mechanics. He then went on to the United States Army, where he served and graduated with a master’s degree in mechanics. Ernest was able to travel the world during his military career. He learned three languages, German, French, and Spanish. He enjoyed mailing postcards from every part of the world he visited. He continued to live a full life that kept him constantly in an inquisition. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Houston. Ernest worked as a master mechanic for over 35 years. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was active in his church and would always help others in need.                                                                      

     “POP” was an animal lover and proud owner of two dogs that took just as many road trips as he did. Ernest enjoyed spending time in Crabb, Texas with family and friends every chance he could. He enjoyed the relaxation of the country and home-cooked meals.  He also loved taking long rides out to the Texas City Dike with his dad, before his dad got sick.  Our lives have been enriched just because “POP” was there; presenting something you were not expecting to see like a dead raccoon with her live babies.  Oh well, That’s “POP”.   

     He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Reverend P.D. Ernest Wisby, Sr. and Mrs. Artis Evans Wisby; mother, Josie Torry Wisby; sister, Yotarsha Menyonne Wisby Barker and many other relatives.

     “POP” is fondly remembered by his father, Ernest (Joyce) Wisby, Jr.; sisters, Desiree Wisby (Charles) Hicks, Vernessa Wells (Robert) Anderson, Nadis Wisby (Vincent) Rodriguez, Nikki Wisby (Charles) Hawkins; nephews and nieces, Jarrial (Rose) Jackson, Jamiece Jackson, Chloe (Kristina) Hicks, Yorshina Hicks, Dominique Joiner, Charles Hawkins, lll, Chalisa Hawkins, Chaden Hawkins, Tristen Anderson and Trevor Anderson; uncle, Emmitt Wisby, Sr.; dear friend, Joseph Brown; a host of cousins, neighbors, relatives, and friends.                                                   

     Pop will forever live in our hearts. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, laughter, bravery, strength, big heart, and warm hugs. 

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