Roll Call Tribute

Ernest Alexander Sessums, Jr. 

August 1, 1921 - December 30, 2022 

Ernest Alexander Sessums, Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas to Ernest Alexander and Mary (Ponder) Sessums. He was the oldest of their 4 children. He graduated from Overton High School where he played trombone and trumpet in the band and lettered in football. He was a student at Texas A & M University when Pearl Harbor was bombed and shortly after that he joined the Army Air Corp. and served in Europe for the duration of the war as a Link Trainer Instructor. For his service he was awarded the EAME Campaign Medal with six Bronze Stars, a Distinguished Unit Badge, 1 Service Stripe, 4 Overseas Service Bars and a Good Conduct Medal. He was part of the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France and Ardennes Rhineland (Battle of the Bulge) Air Offensive.

The day after he arrived home from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Jessie Jewel Ater. Together they had 2 children, Ernest, III and Jeanette Jewel. They had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before her death, December 25, 2005. He worked for Gulf Oil Co. for 36 years, first in the Legal department of titles and contracts and later as a Director of purchasing. He joined the Masons in 1953 and served as Worshipful Master of Lonnie Irvin Lodge, where he was a Life Member. He was an Endowed Life Member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, served as president of the High Twelve International, was a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour of the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite.

In 2008, he was awarded the Golden Trowel for exceptional service. He was a member of the Shrine. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his 3 siblings. He is survived by his son and daughter and their families.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 P.M. followed by the Service at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St. George Episcopal Church, 6904 West Avenue. Interment with Military Honors and Masonic Services will follow at Mission Burial Park North.