Ernest received his formal education in the Capital School District attending Booker T. Washington School and later William Henry High School.

Ernest worked in manufacturing and industry, spending his career working for Dover Cold Store, Dover Air Force Base and Wesley College before retiring from Kraft General Foods on June 1, 1994, after 29 years and 8 months of employment.

In his free time, Ernest enjoyed horticulture and landscaping, spending much of his time cutting grass, planting flowers, and caring for his garden. Thoughtful of others, Ernest took great pride in caring for others and nursing home visits. He had the privilege of being an in-home caretaker for his grandfather Hollis Sudler, and was supportive in the care of Mrs. Maude Jones, a resident of Smyrna Home, his aunts Mabel Sudler, Laurel Young, Mrs. Mary McClinton, Mrs. Blanch Briddell and many others.

Ernest was an active member of Mt Zion AME Church of Dover, DE for many years where he sang with the Voices of Thunder Men’s Chorus.