Celebrating the life of
Ernest Roy Olson
October 18, 1930 - November 20, 2016
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Ernest Roy Olson, 86 of Savannah, Ga, retired businessman and cable executive, died Sunday, November 20, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah.
Ernie was born on October 18, 1930 in Richmond, Indiana to Edna Marie Victoria Wright and Einer Reinholdt Olsson. He matriculated at Indiana University where he was the first man ever to serve twice as President of his Fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega (ATO). Upon graduation, he served in the Army and then began his business career which included stints in Chicago, Cincinnati, New York and finally Atlanta. He retired from MetroVision, a Time Warner company as their Vice President of Marketing. As one of the early pioneers in cable, Ernie was well known throughout the industry and active in the cable association leadership. Ernie also remained active in his college fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, serving on their National Foundation Board of Directors. ATO continued to play a significant role in his life as his closest friends were ATOs, and his son, son-in-law and grandson all followed in his footsteps at their respective Universities.
It was during his early career in Chicago at Avon where he first spied and eventually met and married the love of his life, Gloria Anne Mlekush. During their 53 years of marriage they lived by the motto, “laissez les bons temps rouler!” (let the good times roll). Their joy of life was most evident in the festive and themed parties they hosted frequently for family, friends, and business associates. He and Gleaux were avid collectors of Santa’s, antiques and took great pride in restoring an 1860’s farm house near the historic square in Marietta, GA. Their home became a favorite and known as the “Santa House” on the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. Ernie also enjoyed restoring furniture, fishing, anything Cajun and following LSU football.
Ernie is survived by his wife Gloria (Gleaux), and son John (Ginger) of Southlake, TX and daughter Amy Carrell (Sam) of Des Moines, IA. He took great pride in his six grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as PaPa. Granddaughter’s Camille Olson (Ole Miss), Victoria Olson (Southlake Carroll High School), and grandson’s Quinn Carrell (Ole Miss), Noah Carrell (Drake), Harrison Carrell (Auburn) and Oliver Carrell (Des Moines Roosevelt High School). He was proceeded in death by his parents and his younger brother Richard.
A celebration of life in the true “laissez les bons temps rouler” spirit will be planned for later.
Memorials can be made in Ernie’s honor to Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity Foundation, the Marietta Historical Society, or the Wounded Warrior Project.
since death was not originally God's purpose for mankind it is very painful to deal with ,but please read the wonderful hope that The Bible holds out for us all at Revelation 21:3,4
- Dorothy, Dacula , Ga
We all will miss this wonderful, kind and thoughtful friend. His meaningful contributions to ATO and the world around him will not be forgotten. Our hearts and sympathy are with his Family.
- Margaret Ann and Joe Bond, Dunwoody, Ga.
My condolences to the Olson Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death). May fom memories of Ernest linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days ahead
- Henry, Lawrenceville , GA
To the families of Mr. Olson I send my sympathy. Your love one is gone but never forgotten for you all hold all his memories inside your hearts, seek them out and share with one another to comfort each other
- Norma, Alice , Texas
To Amy Sam and the entire family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your father and father in law. What a talented and accomplished husband, father businessman and ATO Fraternity brother and member who provided ATO with many years of service that we all have benefited from in the past. We will rejoice with you as you celebrate his life as a family . Faithfully Bob and Deb Kem Ankeny, IA
- Robert A Kem, Ankeny Iowa,
When I learned of Ernie's death I was heart sick. We both went thru pledge ship at the ATO house at IU. Ernie was delight to all. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Sincerely, Charles Lanham, Delta Alpha Chapter ATO.
- Charles E. Lanham, Indianapolis, IN
Gloria, John and Ginger, Amy and Sam, and grandchildren: our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Ernie's family meant the world to him...he was so proud of his children and grandchildren! Ernie was one of my favorite people and one of the funniest! Remembering so many marketing campaigns, special times and really just daily work brings a huge smile. I know all in our Cox/MetroVision work family thought the world of him and enjoyed keeping in touch with him. He and I always ended our phone conversations with "love ya buddy". I'm so glad we did. That's the way he was. I will miss him terribly.
- Suzanne Abramovitz , Roswell, GA
Gloria, John and Ginger, Amy and Sam, and grandchildren: our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Ernie's family meant the world to him...he was so proud of his children and grandchildren! Ernie was one of my favorite people and one of the funniest! Remembering so many marketing campaigns, special times and really just daily work brings a huge smile. I know all in our Cox/MetroVision work family thought the world of him and enjoyed keeping in touch with him. He and I always ended our phone conversations with "love ya buddy". I'm so glad we did. That's the way he was. I will miss him terribly.
- Suzanne Abramovitz , Roswell, GA
Deepest sympathies to Gloria, Amy, and John. Was so lucky to have been part of our Cox/MetroVision work family for so many years. Ernie was a joy to work with and always full of life. We sparred for years, he an IU fan and Glenn and I big UK fans. Came to work one day after Indiana beat UK and there was an Indiana pennant over my office door. Love that he stayed in touch with Facebook, hope we can continue!
- Debbi & Glenn Merryman , Marietta , GA
I'm so sad to hear this news. I adored this man, and his lovely family as well. Gloria, John, Amy, and all, you have my deep sympathy and prayers. Be thankful for his life and the wonderful memories you all can share. I love you. I will miss him.
- Janet james, Dallas, Tx
Gloria, Amy and John: We are so sorry to hear about Ernie's passing. What a great friend he was! We always enjoyed being with all of your family at our fun times at Dauphin Island. We have been "keeping up with him" via Facebook for the last few years and always enjoyed hearing of his love for all of you, his grandchildren, and his "precious" LSU football! He will be missed by all of us. Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Bailey and Trena Little
- Bailey and Trena Little, Shelbyville, TN
I was a pledge at IU when Ernie was president. There are not many of us left. I have enjoyed re-connecting with him the last few years via the internet. What a great guy Ernie was then and obviously continued to be. My condolences to you Gloria and to your family. Jim Matthews
- Jim Matthews, Indianapolis, In
Gloria, When Suzanne called to tell me the very sad news I was heart broken. I was so thankful to have seen you and Ernie a few years ago and was looking forward to seeing you both again this winter. Ernie for me was a true mentor and inspiration. He was just such a good person and while I would get angry and want to lash out at men who resented my position in the company-- Ernie would always teach me to be "a big person" to be better than the bad guys! I have held that thought in my heart all these years and it has served me well. He was such a wonderful man with a wonderful family that he loved mightily. You, Amy and John, are in my prayers I know you will be strengthened and comforted by the knowledge that you were blessed to have had so much joy and love and still do.
- Susan Wallace Hynes, New York, NY`
since death was not originally God's purpose for mankind it is very painful to deal with ,but please read the wonderful hope that The Bible holds out for us all at Revelation 21:3,4
- Dorothy, Dacula , Ga
We all will miss this wonderful, kind and thoughtful friend. His meaningful contributions to ATO and the world around him will not be forgotten. Our hearts and sympathy are with his Family.
- Margaret Ann and Joe Bond, Dunwoody, Ga.
My condolences to the Olson Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death). May fom memories of Ernest linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days ahead
- Henry, Lawrenceville , GA
To the families of Mr. Olson I send my sympathy. Your love one is gone but never forgotten for you all hold all his memories inside your hearts, seek them out and share with one another to comfort each other
- Norma, Alice , Texas
To Amy Sam and the entire family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your father and father in law. What a talented and accomplished husband, father businessman and ATO Fraternity brother and member who provided ATO with many years of service that we all have benefited from in the past. We will rejoice with you as you celebrate his life as a family . Faithfully Bob and Deb Kem Ankeny, IA
- Robert A Kem, Ankeny Iowa,
When I learned of Ernie's death I was heart sick. We both went thru pledge ship at the ATO house at IU. Ernie was delight to all. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Sincerely, Charles Lanham, Delta Alpha Chapter ATO.
- Charles E. Lanham, Indianapolis, IN
Gloria, John and Ginger, Amy and Sam, and grandchildren: our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Ernie's family meant the world to him...he was so proud of his children and grandchildren! Ernie was one of my favorite people and one of the funniest! Remembering so many marketing campaigns, special times and really just daily work brings a huge smile. I know all in our Cox/MetroVision work family thought the world of him and enjoyed keeping in touch with him. He and I always ended our phone conversations with "love ya buddy". I'm so glad we did. That's the way he was. I will miss him terribly.
- Suzanne Abramovitz , Roswell, GA
Gloria, John and Ginger, Amy and Sam, and grandchildren: our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Ernie's family meant the world to him...he was so proud of his children and grandchildren! Ernie was one of my favorite people and one of the funniest! Remembering so many marketing campaigns, special times and really just daily work brings a huge smile. I know all in our Cox/MetroVision work family thought the world of him and enjoyed keeping in touch with him. He and I always ended our phone conversations with "love ya buddy". I'm so glad we did. That's the way he was. I will miss him terribly.
- Suzanne Abramovitz , Roswell, GA
Deepest sympathies to Gloria, Amy, and John. Was so lucky to have been part of our Cox/MetroVision work family for so many years. Ernie was a joy to work with and always full of life. We sparred for years, he an IU fan and Glenn and I big UK fans. Came to work one day after Indiana beat UK and there was an Indiana pennant over my office door. Love that he stayed in touch with Facebook, hope we can continue!
- Debbi & Glenn Merryman , Marietta , GA
I'm so sad to hear this news. I adored this man, and his lovely family as well. Gloria, John, Amy, and all, you have my deep sympathy and prayers. Be thankful for his life and the wonderful memories you all can share. I love you. I will miss him.
- Janet james, Dallas, Tx
Gloria, Amy and John: We are so sorry to hear about Ernie's passing. What a great friend he was! We always enjoyed being with all of your family at our fun times at Dauphin Island. We have been "keeping up with him" via Facebook for the last few years and always enjoyed hearing of his love for all of you, his grandchildren, and his "precious" LSU football! He will be missed by all of us. Please know that you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Bailey and Trena Little
- Bailey and Trena Little, Shelbyville, TN
I was a pledge at IU when Ernie was president. There are not many of us left. I have enjoyed re-connecting with him the last few years via the internet. What a great guy Ernie was then and obviously continued to be. My condolences to you Gloria and to your family. Jim Matthews
- Jim Matthews, Indianapolis, In
Gloria, When Suzanne called to tell me the very sad news I was heart broken. I was so thankful to have seen you and Ernie a few years ago and was looking forward to seeing you both again this winter. Ernie for me was a true mentor and inspiration. He was just such a good person and while I would get angry and want to lash out at men who resented my position in the company-- Ernie would always teach me to be "a big person" to be better than the bad guys! I have held that thought in my heart all these years and it has served me well. He was such a wonderful man with a wonderful family that he loved mightily. You, Amy and John, are in my prayers I know you will be strengthened and comforted by the knowledge that you were blessed to have had so much joy and love and still do.
- Susan Wallace Hynes, New York, NY`
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
