Mr. Erick Paul Gauthia, 59, of Beaumont, Texas passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Beaumont, Texas.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Erick Paul Gauthia will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church located at 3920 W. Cardinal Dr., Beaumont, Texas 77705. A public viewing will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 p.m. at Mercy Funeral Home Chapel and Visitation on Saturday, May 4, 2024, prior to the service time from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. For your safety social distancing and facial masks are recommended.

Erick Gauthia's Journey

Erick Paul Gauthia was born April 9, 1965, in Beaumont, Texas to Walter Gauthia, Sr. and Juanita Labeaux-Gauthia.  Erick was the youngest of four children.  His education began in the Beaumont Independent School District having attended Price Elementary, John P. Odom Middle School, and Hebert High School.  Erick graduated from West Brook High School in 1983 as part of its first graduating class.  Throughout school, Erick participated in many sports but excelled in Football.  He and his teammates aka, his brothers, won the Texas State 5A Football Championship in 1982.

In 1983, Erick enrolled in Texas Southern University (TSU) on an academic/athletic scholarship graduating in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Art.  While attending TSU, Erick pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. becoming a member in the spring 1985.  After graduating from TSU, Erick gained employment and became a very productive asset to any company he joined.

In the summer of 1987, at the annual 23rd street neighborhood block party, Erick reunited with a young lady who would later become his wife, Joy George.  Erick and Joy were married on April 6, 1991.  After relocating to Columbus, Ohio, they welcomed the birth of their son, Jared Wesley Gauthia. Erick adored and treasured his son teaching him many life lessons.

Erick began his life as a member of the Catholic faith but later found the Baptist faith. After returning to Beaumont from Columbus, Ohio, he became a member of Beaumont's Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Erick worked in Beaumont Independent School District for 20 years beginning as a substitute teacher.  Erick was so inspired with educating, it led him to earn his teacher's certification in Special Ed EC-12 and in Automotive Collision and Repair.  Erick was also an Adjunct educator at Lamar Institute of Technology with the Dual Credit Program. He loved interacting with all students and wanted to extend his knowledge to the younger generation.

Erick was a man of many talents generally reserved for seasoned entrepreneurs.  His skills ranged from developing Hip Hop Math music CDs to Automotive Collision and Repair to music production and website design.  His creativity and imagination inspired many allowing him to translate his specialized talents toward all who crossed his path.

Erick loved his friends referring to everyone as "Coach".  During gatherings of family and friends Erick was in his element bringing joy, laughter, and smiles to any event.  We can all attest, once Erick became your friend, you unquestionably had a true friend.

Preceding him in death is his father; Walter Gauthia, Sr.; his sister, Elizabeth Gauthia Williams, and stepfather, JW Seals.

He lives to cherish his memories; his wife, Joy George Gauthia; his son, Jared Wesley Gauthia; his mother, Juanita Gauthia-Seals; his sisters Debra Gauthia Wells and husband Clyde, and Erin Gauthia Green; his brothers, Thaddeus Gauthia, Joseph Gauthia, Melvin Gauthia and wife Julia Ann, Calvin Gauthia, Sr. and wife Margaret, Walter Gauthia, Jr. and wife Stephanie; his extended family; brothers, Charles Seals, JW Seals, Jr. and wife, Roberta; sisters, Beverly Carradine and Marie L. Seals, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.