Ernest Olin Worsham

Ernie was born and raised in Bamberg, S.C., a son of D.B. and Gertrude (Moody) Worsham. A natural athlete, Ernie grew up playing baseball with the older boys, quickly mastering the sport and exhibiting talent for the game far beyond his years. In high school he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. In 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed basic training in San Diego, Calif. After serving on USS Grouper (SS-214) in New London, Conn., he continued to service as a reservist for six years, and later for another 34 years as a federal civil servant.

Returning to South Carolina, Ernie was signed by the minor league baseball team Augusta (Ga.) Tigers, and he also played for the Shelby (N.C.) Farmers before an injury ended his professional baseball career. Ernie met the love of his life, Evelyn Groce, when he would drive her and her cousins to square dances in Branchville every weekend. Ernie did not remember that the two had met before at Evelyn’s grandfather’s store when Ernie was 5 and Evelyn was still in a stroller. The couple was married in 1955 and was blessed with three children: Teri, Susan and Ernie (Jr.)

After a winter in Flint, Mich., where Ernie worked for the Fischer Auto Body Company, the young family returned to South Carolina. Ernie then embarked on a 34-year civil service career at the Military Transportation Management Command. Ernie was committed to his country and to his family, and also to the Lord as a long-time member of Portside Baptist Church and later Crowfield Baptist Church. Faith, family, friends, Clemson football, golf and travel made for a lifetime of memories for Ernie and Evelyn, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ernie truly cherished his “people,” and created the memories that his family will treasure for the rest of their days.

Ernie is survived by his children Teri Crosby, Susan Bullinger (Joe) and Ernie Worsham Jr. (Tracy); grandchildren Shannan Eichelberg (Bryan), Leslie Edwards (David), Taylor Piedfort (Janel) and Maison Piedfort; his great-grandchildren Madison Fuqua, Joey Eichelberg, Ethan Edwards, Raegan Eichelberg, Greer Edwards and Juniper Piedfort. He is survived by his sister Ann O’Quinn (Jake) and brother John Worsham (Margaret). He is predeceased by loving wife of 67 years Evelyn, his brother Gerald Worsham, his son-in-law Dan Crosby, his brother-in-law and niece Bill and Becky Bodiford, and brothers-in-law James and George Groce.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to: The Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, https://www.hpcfoundation.org/online

Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 20 from 1:00PM until 2:00PM at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. A Life Well Celebrated Service will begin at 2:00PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Worsham family.