End of an Era for Erath High and Tommie Pillette
Retirement often offers the excitement of a new chapter but accompanies the bittersweet feeling of leaving a place or people you love. One quote for those retiring or moving says, "You never really leave a person or place you love. Part of them you take with you, and you leave part of yourself behind." Coach Tommie Pillette is the prime example of someone feeling both.
After a 46 year teaching career, Erath High Coach Tommie Pillette has decided to retire. If you add the four years he spent as a student from 1970 until 1974, he has walked the halls of this school for 50 years. Erath High was his second home for more than half his life.
His high school career began in the fall of 1970 and ended in May 1974, and later he graduated from John Brown University in 1978. In his heart, Coach P. always knew one day he’d make his way home to his alma mater to reach out and teach children. And that, he did.
Throughout his career, he taught physical education and coached baseball, basketball, football and more. He has participated in many after-school activities aside from sporting events, such as Jr. Sr. Prom, Project Graduation, Dancing with the Stars, and other endeavors that benefit the students and school.
Three special events in his career touched his heart. In 2010, he was inducted into the 2010 Erath Hall of Fame. He was humbled and excited for his induction. Another was being named the 2018 Erath High Homecoming Grand Marshal. A third honor was when former Principal Marc Turner surprised him by dedicating the EHS basketball court in his name at the Homecoming Pep Rally.
Now after serving with nine Principals, many colleagues, and thousands of students for 46 years, he is ready to retire.
Pillette and his late wife Brenda had five children, Jamie, Joni, Jessica, Jeremy, and Joshua. As well as being a proud parent, he also takes great pride in his four grandchildren JaKyla, Jaylen, Jani Lynn, and Zander. He has one son-in-law, Corey Broussard.
Tommie Pillette, the son of the late Dennis and Justina (Jessie) Pillette, now shares life with his girlfriend, Pauline Scott.
As for the quote, "You never really leave a person or place you love. Part of them you take with you, and you leave part of yourself behind." Coach P has many decades from Erath High etched in his heart that will go with him and what he leaves behind lies with touching hearts of thousands of students, colleagues, leaders, and a community that will forever be grateful he served almost half of a century with them. It has been said that, “Coach P. is a true bobcat with a heart that bleeds blue!” Without a doubt, even in his next chapter, that statement will always hold true for him. After all, it is the legacy he created at Erath High.