Ernest Donald Smallridge, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2021.
Ernest was welcomed into this world on August 28, 1931 to Ernest and Elizabeth Smallridge in Detroit, Michigan. As a young man, Ernest proudly served his country in the United States Army. Family always meant the world to Ernest, and he would send all his money home to his family during his time in the service to help support them. After his time in the Army, Ernest came home and met the love of his life, and future bride, Patricia. He married his love, and together Patricia and Ernest raised Chris, Lisa, Steve, Sandi, and Dave. Their family, “The Magnificent 7”, was a family of pure love and one that made so many countless beautiful memories together. Ernest was always a hardworking man, and provider. He worked for many years in tree service, and always joked with his family that he was a “tree surgeon”. He opened his own tree and stump removal company in 1976 called Eager Beaver Firewood & Stump Removal. His impeccable work habits and dedication to always doing a good job inspired many that he took under his wing during the time he had his business. But if you asked Ernest, he was just “Whacking Away”. He retired, and was able to travel the Michigan roads and towns with his love Patricia and spend his well-earned retirement with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the absolute world to him, and he enjoyed every minute he was able to spend with them.
Beloved father of Chris (Nancy), Lisa (Jeff) Castonia, Steve (Teresa), Sandi (Dean) Blevins, and Dave (Laura); proud grandpa of 14 and great grandpa of 24; cherished brother of Betty Stromme.
Ernest joins the love of his life of 63 years, Patricia, in heaven. He is also preceded in passsing by his dear siblings Grace Flamez, Florence Havener, Fred Smallridge and his parents Ernest and Elizabeth Smallridge.
Visitation to take place on Wednesday, September 29 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral service to be held on Thursday, September 30 at the funeral home. Instate, or gathering time, 10:00 AM. Service at 11:00 AM. Committal and burial at Christian Memorial Cemetery at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers. donations in Ernest's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Ernest Donald Smallridge, please visit our floral store.