Ervin Gail Fountain, 71, of Nacogdoches, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 in Nacogdoches. He was born on September 19, 1945 in Nacogdoches, Texas the son of Ervin Fountain and Lucille Hillard Fountain. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Laird Funeral Home with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Interment will follow at Swift Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Laird Funeral Home. Gail was born and raised in the rural areas of Nacogdoches. He went to school in Woden where he played baseball. After high school, Gail went to work in the union on a pipeline where he met a very special lady, Betty Jo Bates. Mrs. Betty would soon become his wife and they spent 36 precious years together until her passing in 2007. Together, they had 2 boys, Shawn and Ryan, and raising them became their priority. Gail then went to work as an electrician for Pilgrim’s Pride. Through the years, Gail taught the boys how to hunt and fish, and loved spending time with them. He would eventually become known as "Pappaw Jack" to his precious grandchildren and spent countless hours showing them how much he loved them. Together with his family, Gail was happiest when everyone was sitting around telling jokes and stories and listening to old country music. Although he spent his days checking on and talking to his friends, he most enjoyed being outside and beholding the pleasures of life. His best friend, Raymond "Hoss" Jimmerson, was typically by his side, and they made many memories together. The family will carry on his legacy by watching his favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers. Mr. Fountain is survived by his sons, Shawn Fountain and wife, Kimberly of Nacogdoches, and Ryan Fountain, Sr. and his wife, Tabitha of Zwolle, Louisiana; 7 grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Fountain, Katie Jo Fountain, Wesley Wayne Fountain, Ryan Wesley Fountain, Jr., Hannah Grace Fountain, Tyler Wesley Fountain, Gabe Foster Fountain and Alex Foster Fountain. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Jo Bates Fountain; and a brother, Roy Gene Fountain. Pallbearers will be Byron Fountain, Raymond Jimmerson, Waylon Hughes, Gene Phillips, Chris Smith, and Steve Phillips. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lynn Fountain, Wesley Fountain and Tommy Smith. The Fountain family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net