Ernest Wilson

March 31, 1943 - May 7, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Ernest Lee Wilson, passed away on May 7, 2020 in Annandale, Virginia at the age of 77. He was the son of Gilbert L. Wilson and Vera Pierce Wilson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his brothers, Paul Wilson, Glen Wilson and Troy Wilson, as well as his sister, Nina Gressens.

He is survived by his daughters, Sirena G. (Wilson) Johnson and Dena L. Poole and his grandchildren, Justina Ramirez, James Williams, Jeana Williams and Justin Williams. He is also survived by an aunt, Cynthia Ensor, and a number of nephews, nieces, great grandchildren, cousins and other relatives.

Ernest was born on March 31, 1943 in Elizabethton, Tennessee, where he was also raised. He left home and ended up in the DC area, at the age of 18, for work and to follow his sister that was living in the area. He worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He was part of the crew responsible for building the DC metro system at its inception and loved to tell stories about his times building tunnels.

Ernest was the last of his siblings to survive in his family. He spent his final days at Leewood Healthcare Center in Annandale where he was battling complications from multiple strokes, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. The staff at Leewood loved him and his jokes. He would always stop to speak to the other Leewood residents to check in with them daily. They affectionately called him the “Mayor of Leewood”.

Ernest could always be found chatting with everyone, telling his colorful stories, making jokes and trying to put a smile on everyone’s face. Prior to Leewood, he lived with his daughter, Dena, in Culpeper, Virginia, where he could often be found holding court in the garage with his neighbors and friends.

He will be fondly remembered by family and friends. We know he is in a better place and is with much of his family now, telling stories, making jokes and laughing with them.

A memorial service will not be held. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks for donations to be sent in Ernest’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association ( ) or American Diabetes Association ( ).

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My early memories of Lee is him being a fun uncle. He liked to tease you and make you laugh (he called me cottton top as a kid). He always came home (to Tennessee) for Christmas even in the worst of snow and weather. He liked fast cars and big trucks; and he used to buy me Tonka trucks and model cars for Christmas. He always brought fireworks as well and would shot them with all the kids. He left home at an early age and lived in VA most of his adult life, but always visited his mom, dad, and family. He lived near his brother Troy and sister Nina around the DC area; raised a family and enjoyed life. Lee moved back to TN after his mother passed to take care of his dad (my granddad). He stayed in TN for several years and worked on the "new" highway over Sam's gap; and drove a truck back and forth to NC for a local company. While there he visited family and friends and again made the most of life. Eventually, he moved back to VA to be with his daughters; he was very proud of both of them. Lee was loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

I apologize for putting the wrong pronouns in my message. May Ernest's soul rest in perfect peace. I grieve along with his family. I also pray for the Lord's comforting hand on the family. It is always so difficult to accept that a loved one's passing, but we anticipate with hope and joy, and know that Ernest is in the place that is free from suffering, pain, tears, sadness and hard ache, disappointment and anger, etc. He is seeing and talking with Jesus face-to-face. May we all as the body of Christ look forward to meeting him some day in that perfect place.

We will miss you very much. May your heart and soul rest in perfect peace, celebrating with the Lord Jesus! I hope that those who knew you embraced you as you found yourself in your new home in Heaven.

Ernest was led by his Shepherd, Jesus Christ, through the valley of the "shadow" of death. He traveled from life to life, and now resides in his true home prepared for him. I am grateful to have known him, and had the pleasure to teach him at the Leewood bible study every Tuesday morning. A smile comes to my face when I recall him calling me a preacher, in spite of my continually correcting him. I grieve, but with hope.

Ernest was a highlight during our Tuesday morning Bible studies at Leewood. Sometimes obstinate and pouty, but more often, spry and quick-witted, Ernest showed he cared by his gentle touch to the arm and honest sharing. How kind of God that He allowed us the opportunity to know and love such a sweet man. When I first met Ernest, he told me that his father had been a southern Baptist preacher and that he himself had had "enough of that" Bible stuff. But I guess his curiosity got the best of him, since he faithfully attended our weekly Bible study since Christmas 2018. It certainly will not be the same without him. We are praying for God's peace and direction to guide the family through this time of sorrow.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My prayers go out to the family of Mr. Wilson May he RIP You will truly be missed

Mr. Wilsonu2019s presence will truly be missed at Leewood. His quick wit and sense of humor brought many laughs and smiles. Endless condolences to his family and friends.

It was a pleasure getting to know Ernest during his time at Leewood. He was always quick with a funny comment to keep us on our toes. He is missed. Our prayers go out to the family.

I'm so sorry

God be with the family during this time. So sorry to hear about his passing. I cannot believe I have lost another cousin.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.