Bernard Pleasants, Jr.
Jul 04, 2046 – Oct 01, 2008
Bernard Bernie” Ellis Pleasants Jr. 62 of Pleasant View Farm near Mineral Virginia in Louisa County passed away Wednesday October 1 2008 at UVA Medical Center. He was born July 4 1946 in Louisa Virginia to the late Bernard Ellis Pleasants and Irene Thomas Pleasants.
Bernie attended VCU and was an auctioneer as well as director of Pleasants School of Auctioneering. He is noted for his 33 year career as the auctioneer of the famed Chincoteague Pony Auction on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Bernie was a member of the Virginia Auctioneer’s Association and received numerous awards from the National Auctioneer’s Association. He is remembered for his contributions to Virginia’s horse industry and the Virginia Quarter Horse Association. Mr. Pleasants was the author of Chincoteague Pony Tales a book about his experiences with the Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 42 years Linda Pleasants; his daughter Bryan Pleasants Durrer and her husband Richard Lee Durrer Jr. of Ruckersville; his son Bernard “Bo” Ellis Pleasants III of Mineral; his beloved granddaughters Courtney Amber Durrer and Lianna Evariece Durrer; his sister Jacqueline Pleasants Kelley and nephews Neale Wayne Kelley and Jason Scott Kelley.
A memorial service to celebrate Bernie’s amazing life will be held at West End Assembly of God 401 Parham Road Louisa Virginia at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 7 2008.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the West End Assembly of God’s Missions Outreach 401 Parham Road Louisa Virginia 23229.
I had the good fortune to meet and know Bernie through his Auctioneering School. I am greatful for the oppurnunity to have learned from him and will miss his support and words wisdom. I wish Linda and his family all the best and extend my deepest sympathy. I am sadden by the loss.
We are sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts are with all the family but especially Linda and Bo.We met them while they were in Castlewood for an auctionBill Hawkins and I will always be grateful for your help and your friendship. May God bless you and comfort you during this very sad occasion. I am sure Bernie is in a much better place. Joe Mitchell
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are sorry that we can`t be there with you. We have many fond memories of Bernie and the good times we have spent with all of you. Death can`t take those away. He will be greatly missed. We will keep all of you in our hearts and prayers during these dark hours and in the days ahead. God bless, John and Judi
Our hearts and deepest sympathy go out to all of you during this time. Cherish the wonderful memories you have, and know that Bernie`s spirit lives on through each one of you. God bless!
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Bernie. Having shared many lunches and conversations with him, I am thankful that he named Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and am equally thankful to have the hope of seeing him again in heaven. Praise God for His mercy. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13″
We are very sorry to here of the passing of Bernie and will miss seeing his always pleasant” face in the store.”
Mrs. Pleasants, Bryan, Bo and FamilyI was very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with each and everyone of you at this time. Stephanie Rose
Dear Mrs. Pleasants,I was shocked to learn of Mr. Pleasants` death. You both are among our favorite auction-goers at Harlowe-Powell. We looked forward to seeing you and meeting your latest students at the auction school. We are thinking of you and send best wishes.Best,RobinHarlowe-Powell Auction
Sorry for your lose. He was a good man.
I was honored to have met Bernie when I attended his school this summer. I thank God for the opportunity to get to know such a great man. And I will never forget each morning when I came to class I asked him, Morning Bernie! How are you?” He always replied with a smile on his face “I`m Pleasant…” And… with God… I am absolutely sure that he is.”