Celebrating the life of
Ronald Gene Ernst
February 26, 1944 - November 19, 2010
Ronald Gene Ernst, 66, died Friday, November 19, 2010 at Memorial University Medical Center.
He was born in Flint, Michigan and was a graduate of Flushing High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving aboard an EAG 154 during the Cuban Crisis and was also a veteran of the Vietnam War. After the war, Mr. Ernst served as a policeman in Cocoa Beach, Florida and Flint, Michigan and then worked as a photographer for the Grand Blank News. After the Grand Blank News, he served as a photographer with the Detroit News and the Decatur Herald and Review where he received many awards both on the national and state levels. Mr. Ernst was invited on many occasions to photograph the Ford Family in Detroit. At the age of 49, he entered Joliet Junior College obtaining a degree in the Culinary Arts. He served his apprenticeship in Chicago and served as Executive Chef for the Heritage Bluff Golf Club, Goldsboro Country Club, the Ocean Plaza and the Harbor Coastal Treatment Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church of the Islands.
His parents, Marvin and Edwich LaFleur Ernst preceded him in death.
Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Susan Ernst of Savannah and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharie and David Bowen of Raleigh, NC.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Remembrances may be made to the First Baptist Church of the Islands.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
Ron was a character and will be missed by many, especially you. I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times we shared. Take care of yourself.
- Marysue Altman, Athens, IL
Susie - So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Remembering wonderful times with you both. Carolyn
- Carolyn Workman, Decatur, IL
To the family of 'Chef Ron', I worked with Ron at Coastal Harbor, and always enjoyed how much effort he put into encouraging our patients not to mention his wonderful meals!. I will always remember him walking around with that ventroloquist dummy that looked like him and was dressed like him! talking to the kids about nutrition and cracking jokes. My heartfelt condolences go out to each of you.
- Molly Williams, Savannah, GA
Susie my prayers are with you, I'm so greatful that you came by this summer. We share many good memories.
- DIana Carr, Decatur, IL
Sue, sorry to read of your lost. My prayers are with you.
- Ron Reynolds, Decatur, IL
Susie: My prayers and thouhgts are with you. Sorry to read of your loss.
- Sharon Collins, Decatur, IL
Susie, I'm so sorry for your loss of Ron. You have my heartfelt symphany and I'm praying for strength to continue each day and courage to face whatever lies ahead for you. I loved working for you both in Decatur and have thought a lot of you both in the years that have passed; also, wondering where you were living. I lost Dewain 6 yrs ago and am living in Sullivan, IL with my 95 yr old Mom who needs someone with her all time now. I assume you still have English Cockers. Again,I'll be praying for you in this time of need. In Christian love, Dyanne Dudley
- Dyanne Dudley, Sullivan, IL
Susie: My prayers and thouhgts are with you. Sorry to read of your loss.
- Sharon Collins, Decatur, IL
Sue, sorry to read of your lost. My prayers are with you.
- Ron Reynolds, Decatur, IL
Susie my prayers are with you, I'm so greatful that you came by this summer. We share many good memories.
- DIana Carr, Decatur, IL
Ron was a character and will be missed by many, especially you. I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times we shared. Take care of yourself.
- Marysue Altman, Athens, IL
Susie - So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Remembering wonderful times with you both. Carolyn
- Carolyn Workman, Decatur, IL
To the family of 'Chef Ron', I worked with Ron at Coastal Harbor, and always enjoyed how much effort he put into encouraging our patients not to mention his wonderful meals!. I will always remember him walking around with that ventroloquist dummy that looked like him and was dressed like him! talking to the kids about nutrition and cracking jokes. My heartfelt condolences go out to each of you.
- Molly Williams, Savannah, GA
Susie my prayers are with you, I'm so greatful that you came by this summer. We share many good memories.
- DIana Carr, Decatur, IL
Sue, sorry to read of your lost. My prayers are with you.
- Ron Reynolds, Decatur, IL
Susie: My prayers and thouhgts are with you. Sorry to read of your loss.
- Sharon Collins, Decatur, IL
Susie, I'm so sorry for your loss of Ron. You have my heartfelt symphany and I'm praying for strength to continue each day and courage to face whatever lies ahead for you. I loved working for you both in Decatur and have thought a lot of you both in the years that have passed; also, wondering where you were living. I lost Dewain 6 yrs ago and am living in Sullivan, IL with my 95 yr old Mom who needs someone with her all time now. I assume you still have English Cockers. Again,I'll be praying for you in this time of need. In Christian love, Dyanne Dudley
- Dyanne Dudley, Sullivan, IL
Susie: My prayers and thouhgts are with you. Sorry to read of your loss.
- Sharon Collins, Decatur, IL
Sue, sorry to read of your lost. My prayers are with you.
- Ron Reynolds, Decatur, IL
Susie my prayers are with you, I'm so greatful that you came by this summer. We share many good memories.
- DIana Carr, Decatur, IL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
