Ernest James Stith's Obituary
Ernest James Stith was born August 27, 1942 in Jacksonville, TX to his parents, John and Marie Stith, and died on December 26, 2017 in Longview, TX.
Ernest graduated from Brownsville High School in Brownsville, TX. After high school he attended the University of North Texas in Denton. After UNT he began working for Pizza Hut in Dallas and rose up in the ranks, eventually moving to Longview in 1967 to start his own franchise, which he recently celebrated his 50 year anniversary as a Pizza Hut franchisee in East Texas. Ernest was an avid golfer and hunter, known well as a good husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was on the board of directors for the Gladewater Rodeo, was Past President of Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was very active in the Balloon Race and was the 1997 Chairman of the Balloon Races. He received Paul Harris Fellowship award from the Rotary Foundation International and he was also inducted into the Hall of Honor for the Texas Restaurant Association.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Stith as well as his brother, Paxton Stith.
He is survived by his wife Josie, their sons; Eric and wife Jackie and Mark and wife Charity. His daughter, Kimberly Kennedy and step son, Jeff Modisette. Ernest is also survived by his grandchildren; Jordan, Mackenzie, Mason, Garret, Olivia and Paxton Stith, Peyton Perry, Cody Downing, Megan Hemberough and husband Hunter and Brittany Zickefoose and husband Cody. His sister, Laura Strike and husband Ron and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Ernest will be held Friday, December 29 at 2pm at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park.
What’s your fondest memory of Ernest ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ernest ?
Share a story where Ernest 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ernest you’ll never forget.
How did Ernest make you smile?
