Doyce E. Pickett, 84, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at Dubuis Hospital, Beaumont.

He was born November 25, 1927, in Shongaloo, Louisiana, to Neva Sasser Pickett and George Houston Pickett, and a resident of Beaumont most of his life.

Doyce was retired from Southwestern Bell with thirty-eight years of dedicated service. He cherished his wife, Wilma, and would have celebrated sixty-four years of marriage in December.  Doyce loved to visit and spend time with his family and friends. His favorite past time was telling stories about his past to his grandsons and great-grandchildren. 

Doyce is survived by his wife, Wilma Pickett; son, Jerry and his wife, Jodel of Cypress, Texas; his daughter, Vickie Hays and her husband, John of Beaumont; a sister, Neta Longnion and her husband, Minor, of Silsbee, Texas and a brother, George W. Pickett and his wife Reidun of Hot Spring, Arkansas; four grandsons, five great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Margie Covin and her husband, A.D.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 30, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210.