Earnest “Ernie” Smith

Earnest “Ernie” Smith
Earnest “Ernie” Smith

Earnest “Ernie” Smith, 70, of Amarillo, TX died July 14, 2020.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 20, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Rev. Thacker Haynes from McLean United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

Earnest was born on June 24, 1950 to Howard Lee Smith and Noreen Ferris Smith in Borger, TX. He often called himself a “Booger Baby.” He grew up on a farm learning to chop cotton, raise pigs for show, and loading and stacking hay.

Earnest attended McLean Schools for 12 years and was in the 1969 graduating class. He has a gift of speed and set several track records. He also played football for the McLean Tigers. His speed and agility helped him on his way to college where he attended Washington State on a football scholarship and later to Northern Arizona State. Earnest wound up at West Texas State University where he met his future wife, Helen. Although they did not connect until several years later.

Earnest met and married Connie and adopted her daughter, Julie. Although the union was brief, he loved and cared for his adopted daughter.

Earnest then became reacquainted with Helen and after a year of courtship, they married on December 7, 1980 in Olton, TX. They set up housekeeping on Bolton Street and he was employed at Barker Cabinets where he would learn his profession of cabinet maker. Not long after Mr. Barker retired, Earnest started his own cabinet business, Earnest Smith Custom Cabinets, in his garage. Word spread of his craftmanship, honesty, and diligence to produce a good product. He remained in the cabinet business until his death. He often told friends and family he would never retire. He loved his work that much.

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Noreen Smith.

He leaves behind his sister, Brinda Hembree; brother, Terry Smith and wife Linda; sister, Galynn West and husband Billy; wife of 39-years, Helen Smith; children, Julie Sharp, Jill Deleon and husband Adrian, Weston Smith, and Colton Smith; grandchildren, Mason Sharp, Cordell Sharp, Isaac Sharp, Luke Deleon, and Clark Deleon; one great-grandchild, Colin Sharp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a beloved generous man who gave freely of his time, attention, and love to his friends, family, and strangers.

The world has lost a great man, but heaven has gained a master craftsman.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M., Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

17 Replies to “Earnest “Ernie” Smith”

  1. I went through McLean public schools in the same class with Earnest. He grew up in much harder circumstances than the rest of us. Yet he worked at fitting in, in both classroom and on the football field. He succeeded in both areas. He probably achieved more, considering where he started, then any of the rest of us. Other comments above indicate how successful he was as a craftsman. I am sad to see him go.

    Dick Back

  2. Ernie you will be deeply missed. I enjoyed talking to you since we met. The card group will miss you deeply. You will be missed. Take care .

  3. Earnest was a very good man and my friend. He built many cabinets and china hutches for me and was always there when I needed him. He will be missed. My wife and I thought very highly of him and recommended him to everyone that commented on the beautiful cabinets in our homes. Earnest did them all over the years. Just know He was loved and honored, Gerald and Mary Owens.

  4. Ernie was the ultimate teammate and competitor who wore the the jersey number “Double O”. I found Ernie to be very coachable and teachable which made him a joy to coach and teach for the two years that that I was at McLean High School as were the classes of ‘68 and ‘69.
    To the family and friends of Ernie, my deepest condolences.
    Jim Morgan

  5. Earnest was a friend, classmate, neighbor in McLean, great athlete, Craftsman, and would help anyone. He is in heaven with another craftsman. Prayers for the family.

  6. So sorry for the loss, Earnie was a lot of fun every time I was able to visit. He was a great guy. Ready easy Earnie

  7. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the family. May god bless and keep you and yours in y’all’s time of sorrow.

  8. It is always sad to see the passing of someone with whom you grew up. We had a pretty close knit class in school and I will always have good memories of Ernest. Prayers for peace of heart to Helen and all of his family.

  9. Ernie was a lot of fun to torment when we were kids. We did have a lot of fun playing at the farm when we were there. He will really be missed.

  10. Stovall family’s loved Earnie and will miss him, thanks for all you did for us.

  11. So sad to see this! He built our cabinets in 1987. They are still beautiful! He was very talented at what he did! We enjoyed getting to see & visit with him through the years, usually at Wesley’s Beanpot!
    Sorry times are crazy now so we can’t attend his funeral!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *