SNEADS FERRY  -  Ernest Henderson, Jr., 82, of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024. Born on March 15, 1942, in Onslow County NC, he was a man who embraced life with vigor and joy.  Ernie was a beloved figure in his community, renowned for his annual display of Christmas lights on Winery Road and his passion for being on the water.  He was happiest when he could clam, fish, or just ride in his boat with family and friends.  A devoted family man, he and Sharon cherished their moments together spent with their children and grandchildren, whether on a boat, at a dance, wrestling, soccer, rabbit hunting or even horseshoes.  Ernie imparted to his loved ones lessons and skills to help them win in life and relationships. "Boug" as his daddy affectionately nicknamed him, had one speed and it was full throttle, from drag racing cars in his youth to how he mowed the lawn.  His passion for people and work ethic are attributes he strived to teach his family.

Ernie's career spanned over five decades in the construction industry, where he started as a Highrise crane operator in the DC Maryland area. Not long after that, he moved his family back home and spent most of his career as a superintendent.  Countless projects in and around military bases like Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, Ft Bragg and even McAllen Texas have been built by Ernie and his "crew".  His approach to leadership was a genuine care for his team, they are family and he lived it through his actions instead of just words.

Raised on a tobacco farm and a graduate of Dixon High School, Ernie's upbringing was steeped in the values of community and kinship. Working hard on the farm and playing even harder seemed to be the mantra along with countless cousins and siblings during his youth.  As a young man, he served as a Sunday school teacher at Folkstone Free Will Baptist Church, where he also attended services with his family as a child.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Doris; sisters, Elma and Helen; nephews, Donnie, Nathan and Kevin; eldest daughter, Tammy; in-laws, John and Mildred Maines; brother-in-law, Michael.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon of 55 years; children, Rebecca, Lynn and his wife, Tracy, Danny and his wife, Holly, and John and his wife, Anita; grandchildren, Tonya, Rebecca, Billie Anne, Johnny, Casey, Felicia, Caroline, Alexis; and great-grandchild, Dillon; beloved brothers, Larry and his wife, Janet and Raymond and his wife, Marcia; 17 nieces and nephews along; with countless family in and around NC.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, August 2, 2024 from 6 - 8 PM at Folkstone Freewill Baptist Church.  Ernie's life will be celebrated in a funeral service held at 12:00 PM on Saturday at the same church.  They will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 AM, at the church.  Burial will follow at Turkey Creek Cemetery.  All are welcome.  The Henderson family warmly welcomes all to a repast at the Church's Fellowship Hall at approximately 2:00 PM.