Ernest Ealey Thompson, Sr.

Mr. Ernest Ealey Thompson was born on October g, 1942 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the son of Mr. Henry Nathan and Lillie Mae Thompson. After a brief illness, Ernest quietly
passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020.

Ernest accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and later joined Gin Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and sang on the Jubilee Choir
for many years.

Ernest was educated in the public schools of Richland County and graduated from C.A. Johnson High School class of 1960. While growing up, Ernest developed a passion for golf and took a job at Forest Acres Golf Club as a caddie. During his high school days, he took on an apprenticeship with his uncle E.W. Thompson as a painter. This led him to start his own business, Ernest E.
Thompson and Sons Painting Contractor. He was successfully able to sub-contract with several local businesses throughout the Columbia Metropolitan Area. Ernest trained and earned the
respect of several young men throughout the 50 years of his painting business.

Ernest was very loving, friendly, and passionate about his family.  He took a lot of pride in being kind to everyone that he met and enjoyed making conversation with them. Ernest was known as a comedian. No matter what type of bad day someone else was having, he would be sure to tell several jokes to make you forget about anything that was bothering you. At some point, he was
going to pull a prank on you. His favorite things to do were bowling, golfing, fishing, playing cards, and traveling. He truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an all around loving father,
grandfather, and friend.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lillie Mae Thompson; Five brothers: Henry, Freddie, LeRoy, Marvin, and Joseph, and hjs son-in Jaw Gregory Oree.

Mr. Ernest Thompson leaves to cherish so mag beautiful Antonio Smith, Angela (Jeffrey) Hughes, and Dwayne (Starr) Thompson; three sisters: Lillian Goodwin, Betty (Jeffrey)
Washington, Sheila (Tony) Simuel; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Two aunts Margaret Hepburn and Martha Thompson and a host of other nieces, nephews and other relatives
and friends.

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