"You held my hand when I was small. You caught me when I fell. You're the hero of my childhood and my later years as well. Every time I think of you, my heart still fills with pride. Though I'll always miss you Dad, I know you're by my side. In laughter and in sorrow. In sunshine and through the rain. I know you're watching over me until we meet again."

Wilbert "Bebe" Mackles, age 86, passed away on March 1, 2020. He was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather and husband. Those who knew him admired his pool skills and love for the game. He was born on February 21, 1934, in Plaquemines Parish, to the late Salvadore Mackles, Sr. and Mary Louise Porras Mackles. He was a long time resident of St. Bernard Parish and is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Gail Sitzen Mackles.

His surviving children are Johnny Ponder, Connie, Gary Mackles, Terry Mackles, Pamela Mackles Mena, Kimberly Mackles Leslie, Ronald Mackles, Donald Mackles, Troy Mackles, Melanie Mackles, Louise Mackles, Becky Mackles, Carmen Mackles, Jonathan Mackles, Elizabeth Mackles Handy, Tiffany Mackles and Wilbert Mackles, III. He is also survived by two sisters, Josephine Mackles Payne and Margarite Mackles Campo, and 46 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Wilbert "Bebe" Mackles, Jr., grandsons, Fred Douglas Leslie, III. and Richard Andrew Leon, III. and brothers, Salvadore "Kita" Mackles, Jr. and Raymond "Money" Mackles Sr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at CHARBONNET LABAT FUNERAL HOME, 4917 Judge Perez Drive, Violet, LA on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM. Services will follow where he will be laid to rest in Saint Vincent De Paul Cemetery, New Orleans, LA.