Daddy passed away on Sunday night, August 7, 2011. What a tremendous testiment of faith he was for all who knew him. His attitude toward fighting cancer could not be torn down, his faith in God, his Lord and Saviour could not be broken. His love for his family- immeasurable. What a legacy he leaves. Though we miss him more than words can say and our lives are forever changed, we know without a shadow of a doubt that he is in Heaven, no longer suffering. Our God never left us and never will. He gracefully took Daddy in such a peacful way and we are forever grateful. We cherish our family and friends who took this journey with us and loved us, prayed for us and are mourning with us. You may never know how much you have touched us, just please know that you have.
I have learned a lot these past three years..my faith has grown stronger and my walk with Jesus has sustained me. I have learned to TRUST in HIM and KNOW that HE is GOD. I am comforted by that. I have no regrets, only wishes that he was still here..not sick. I fully trust that God knows what is best and that there is a reason for everything. I may never know who was watching, who may have given their life to God because of Daddy... and that's okay. I just know that he went through this for a reason and God is good all the time. I am so so proud of my dad and will be all my days here on Earth. I thank God for showing me the power of HOPE. Reminding me that when any trouble comes my way, that HOPE is always available though HIM. I am at peace.
I leave you with these thoughts written by us about our Papa. I hope that you will treasure the memories and happy times that you have of our Papa and smile when you think of him. He always said he was "In It To Win It" and he did!!!
Much love,
Michelle
Written by Michelle:
I have spent the last 3 years of my life treasuring everything about my dad. Last Sunday when I woke I felt something different about the day. I prayed as I did daily about his healing and his comfort but on this particular day I prayed to God to do HIS will and what was best for my daddy. It was a hard prayer to say but one I finally truly wanted. On Sunday night as storms raged outside my daddy went to heaven. We felt pain like words cannot explain, but we knew that he was perfect now and there was no longer suffering. We awoke Monday morning to a rainbow over mom and dad's house..what a comfort! There are so many things I love about my dad. He was so funny! He taught me how to live, how to laugh and how to love. Most importantly he taught me how to love the Lord with all my heart and he lived by example not only for me but for my precious children and all those who knew him. He loved life and he loved my momma. I am so grateful for every single moment I had with him and I will treasure the memories forever. Every time my Patrick hits a golf ball, I will see Papa, his biggest fan.. and every time I look into Callie's sweet blue eyes there he will be, and every moment I spend with my husband there he will be as well, because God sent me Stephen to have a man like my daddy to spend my life with. He knew what I needed long before I needed it. I love you daddy and am proud to call myself your daughter.
Written by Shawn:
Last night at 11:30 I lost my best friend, my Hero, and most importantly my dad. After a 3 year battle with cancer it was finally good to see him at peace and in no pain. It was a special moment because just 45 minutes before he passed away, he took my hand and told me he loved me and to "take care of mom". Thank you to for all the prayers and well wishes over the past few years, and most of all, thanks for being a friend.
written by Heather:
I will never forget kissing his beautiful bald head. I was so sad the day he went to get it shaved, but I loved it! Every time I went to visit him I couldn't keep my hands off his sweat bald head.
Papa hated our dogs. He just couldn't believe how we could just let them live in our house. Anytime we complained about them doing something in the house, vet bills, etc. ..he would tell us how to solve those problems, "Get RID of the dogs!"
If you grew up with me, you would know about daddy and his toothbrush. Oh my, it became my friends entertainment to come over because if daddy was home, he had a toothbrush in his mouth. Really, he watched TV, checked the mail, took out the trash and much more with a toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. It was so embarrassing, but definately funny.
He tried to pay me $100 every time we went to the beach to eat an oyster. Yuck! He loved those things, but I just couldn't do it. I might have to try next time just for him!
Written by Patton:
I will never forget the tickle fights and him popping my fingers. Papa would always push us in the pool and spray us with water guns."
Written by Smith:
I will always remember my fishing trips with Papa at the Country Club. He taught me how to fish".
Written by Stephen:
I met Ernie in October of 1996. He was President of Decatur Country Club. He hired me to be the golf professional there. I will never forget that phone call. I think he was as excited as I was. Little did he know he had hired his future son in law. Three years later he gave me the greatest gift of my life. He graciously allowed me to marry his daughter and become Patrick's father. Then Callie completed my perfect family.He helped me through bad times and laughed with me in good times. He was a great father, husband, and friend. Now he is playing where the grass is greener, the fairways are wider, the greens are smoother, and holes may even be bigger. I never told him his swing was not very good so he probably is not hitting it better but I bet Jesus will give him all the strokes he needs.I will miss my times with Papa but I am happy he is in HIS grip now.
Stephen
Written by David:
I would have to say that the legacy of man is seen best in the relationships that he forms on this side of Heaven. Using the relationship one has with His Father in Heaven as the example for loving one another and then sharing that with love and compassion with those around you. I think everyone can say Ernie fully cherished his relationships and loved others in the way that God intended. He loved his golfing buddies "The Bogey Boys", he loved his friends, he loved the members of his Sunday class, he loved his parents Nannie and Bud, he loved his "Sisters" Dot, Faye, and Shirley, he loved me and Stephen and Cheryl just like one of his own. He loved Michelle and Shawn and Heather unconditionally.no matter what! The grandkids.Patrick andCallie, Jordan, Sam, and Penny, Patton and Smith.boy did he love his grandkids. I don't know if anyone was a prouder PAPA. And then Pat.Wow, he loved her the way we all should love our wives. With the kind ofLove that is straight from God's word.a love that was patient and kind, not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude, not insisting on his way, not irritable or resentful towards her, not rejoicing in her wrongdoing, but rejoicing in the Her. They bared all things together, believed in all things together, hoped in all things together, and certainly endured all things together. Above all this he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and because of that I take comfort knowing he is with Him today. Thank you Ernie, Daddy, Papa for your love towards us all. Thank you for the legacy of love that you have left us with.I love you!
David W. Coon
Written by Patrick:
I am going to miss Papa so much! I loved how he had a funny remark about everything. I know that he loved his family more than anything. He always supported my golf and I am going to remember that forever. Every time I tee it up I am going to think about papa. My papais the best!
Written by Callie:
I think that papa is one of the best people to ever be on this earth!Now he's moved into heaven but I know he's perfect there. He always loved to joke with me all the time, every time I would get out of the pool he would ask me if the water was wet! When he was sick and he couldn't eat very much, he was in the car with me and he said "whenever I heal or move on to heaven, I want a big mountain dew and a double cheeseburger!" I know that's what he's doing now. I really miss him but I know he's in heaven watching us with a BIG smile on his face!
Written by Cheryl:
I will never forget at his first surgery I went with them to Birmingham and the nurse came in and asked if these were his three daughters and he told her Yes. I was so honored that he thought of me in that way!! (I am sure I cried)
Written by Penny:
I always kissed him on his boo boos. He took me to panera bread. He helped me build a snowman. I love him.
Written by Sam:
Papa always tried to pop my knuckles. He was the best tooth puller. I will miss him LOTS!
Written by Jordan:
Papa wasn't just a grandfather, he was a best friend. He cared more about his family than anything! I will forever cherish the good times we had together. I love him and miss him so much. I know that he is up in Heaven, cancer free and partying it up with Jesus! I can't wait to see him again one day! :)
Written by Nana:
Ernie and I were married on February 9, 1968. We were high school sweethearts and he has been the love of my life ever since. I have been with my best friend the majority of my life. He was the best companion anyone could ever have. We shared everything and experienced so many blessings in our life together. My happiness was his top priority. He never greeted me without a kiss-a memory I will hold forever. His children and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Not a day went by that he didn't ask me what they were doing or where they were going. I will treasure the love he gave me for 45 years. I miss you and know that though we ache here on Earth, you are happy in Heaven.
