Ernest Roberts Obituary

August 24, 1945 – January 14, 2024

RUTLEDGE - On the evening of January 14, 2024, Ernest Hale Roberts, Jr. of Rutledge died at the age of 78. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Linda Lawson Roberts; daughter, Kelli Roberts Seymour of Kingsport, Tennessee; brother, Gary B. Roberts (Gail) of Statham, GA; four grandchildren, Margaret Elizabeth Seymour (Maggie), Christopher Maxwell Roberts Seymour (Max) of Kingsport, Tennessee, Andrew Roberts Howerton (Drew), and Allison Vance Howerton (Ali) of Morristown, Tennessee; his sister in law, Lucie Lawson Hagen (Ted) of Kingsport, Tennessee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kinsey Vance Howerton.

Ernie was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on August 24, 1945, to Ernest Hale Roberts, Sr. and Anna Ruth Cantwell Roberts. After graduation from Morristown High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Carson Newman University and a Master of Science degree from East Tennessee State University. He worked as a teacher and biologist for the State of Tennessee before becoming a State Farm Insurance agent where he served Grainger County for 44 years.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, especially fly fishing, as well as bow hunting. But it was golf that became his passion, and he was always up for a game. He loved spending time on the lake with friends and family, and in his later years, he tried his hand at woodworking and even a bit of watercolor painting.

Ernie was a member of the Rutledge Optimist Club, worked on the "chain gang" with the Rutledge High School football team, and as his health allowed, volunteered at the Grainger County Baptist Association food pantry. He was also an active member of Rutledge Baptist Church where he served as trustee and deacon. He loved his church family, especially his Sunday School class.

Ernie never lost his sense of humor and will always be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather. Kelli called her dad "the fixer." Her motto was, "When all else fails, call dad." In the words of his grandchildren, GranGran was "funny, loving, and loyal, a truly wise man." He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

A private family graveside service will be held at Grainger Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers are Adam deNobriga, Drew Howerton, Max Seymour, Steve Hopper, Gerald Morgan, Chris Seymour, and Doug Smith (honorary). A memorial service honoring Ernie will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Rutledge Baptist Church at 2:00 pm.

Ernie was blessed to have compassionate caregivers both through Amedisys Home Health and in the ICU Unit and the Comfort Care Unit at UT Hospital. The family especially thanks Dr. Richard Carter and Dr. Andrew Russ for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Rutledge Baptist Church or Andrew Jackson Elementary School Field Trip Fund (Kingsport).

Services entrusted to Smith-Reagan Funeral Home of Rutledge, TN www.smithreaganfuneralhome.com