Earl August

journeyed on to be with my Heavenly Father. My time here on earth has been a full

and blessed one, and I am grateful for every moment. I was born on July 13, 1942, in

Franklin, Louisiana, to my parents, Willie and Irene August. My older brother, Harold,

was there to greet me, and we shared a life filled with love and family.

At the age of three, our family relocated to Houston, Texas, where we found our home

and became members of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church. I was proud to remain

a part of that church community throughout my life. I graduated from Jack Yates High

School and went on to serve my country with pride.

I enlisted in the U.S. Army in the summer of 1968, and spent over two decades in

service to my country. During my time in the military, I received various medals,

citations, and ribbons that reflect my commitment to my duties and my leadership.

The nickname “Sarge” was given to me by those who worked with me, and it became a

symbol of my dedication and tenacity. I retired from the military on February 29, 1992,

after a career that shaped me into the man I was.

Following my time in the military, I began a new chapter at NASA, working as a Quality

Assurance Manager for 10 years. I approached this job with the same dedication and

discipline that I had in the military, and I am proud of the work I did there.

But above all, my greatest devotion was to my faith in Jesus Christ. I served in many

capacities at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, on the Usher Board, the Deacon

Board, the Men’s Ministry, the Men’s Chorus, and the Finance Team. My faith was the

foundation of my life, and it guided me through all of my endeavors.

In 1984, I was blessed to meet and marry Peggy, the love of my life. Our

courtship was brief, just six months, but I knew in my heart that she was the one. Our

marriage has been a testament to God’s grace. I was proud to be the father of Lloyd

(Brenda), Terry, Audrey (Empress Stevenson), Cedell, and Terrance (Keneeatria), as well

as the grandfather to Jayda, Bryce, Deshun, and Aresha, and the great-grandfather to

six precious great-grandchildren.

I was a man who loved to feed people. There was nothing that brought me more joy

than sitting down to a meal with family and friends, sharing food and conversation. If

you knew me, you knew I could always be counted on to make sure no one left hungry.

Whether it was a fish fry, a barbecue, or a simple family gathering, I was happiest when

I was serving up a plate and sharing a laugh. And if I could make you laugh while you

were eating, well, that was the icing on the cake. I believed laughter was one of life’s

greatest gifts, and I took great joy in making people smile.

I am forever grateful for the love and support of my family, friends, and the church fam-

ily at FOBBC. The past 20 years have been a blessing, and I’ve been honored to serve in

many capacities there. To my Bay Area church family, thank you for your friendship and

love over the years.

Though I am no longer with you physically, I pray that I’ve left a positive impact on your

life. I will carry the memories of our time together with me forever, and I trust that our

interactions will remain in your hearts.

I was preceded in death by my parents, Willie and Irene August, and my brother,

Harold August. I leave behind my devoted wife, Peggy, my children, grandchildren,

great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who have meant so much to me.

As you remember me, I encourage you to keep God first, love one another, and always

remember to laugh.

Until we meet again… “Sarge”