On August 5th, a father, husband, and friend to many was lost.

Ernest “Ernie” Wayne Smith was a man that left an impression on everyone he met. He had a personality that was easy to be around; his boisterous laughter and unique sense of humor created a gravitational field that pulled you in, and once you were there, his dedication to helping others and genuine kindness kept you in his orbit. To know Ernie was to know his silly jokes and the myriad of impressions he did; my personal favorite was always Donald Duck, but it was also knowing he would be there to help at the drop of a hat if called upon.

Not only was he a devoted man of God, but he was devoted to his family. His loyalty to the ones he loved wasn’t something you had to ask for, it was just there, unwavering. Being one of Ernie’s children was to feel safe, to know if you needed help, Dad was just a phone call away. That safety smelled like Azzaro Chrome and coffee grounds; it sounded like a cold Diet Coke being poured over ice and the tv turned up way too loud.

Preferring meaningful conversations over small talk, you could often find him regaling others with the many tales of his full life. Preacher; clown; electrician; locksmith; refrigeration specialist; musician; artist; he was truly a jack of all trades.

The gaping hole of Ernie’s absence isn’t the only thing he left behind- with no life insurance or retirement income, his wife, Deborah Smith, is left to carry the financial burden of his funeral expenses and medical expenses that were incurred up to this point of decompensation on her own all while navigating the choppy waters of her grief. Any help that you feel in your heart to give, whether it be well wishes or monetary gifts, are more than appreciated, but never expected. All donations will go to Deborah Smith with the sole purpose of chipping away at the debt left behind from his passing.