Ernest Wicker Jr.

Ernest Wicker Jr. was born on February 29, 1940 in Newberry, South Carolina, the firstborn child of Mildred Wicker (née Boyd) and Ernest Wicker Sr. When he was five years old, Ernie’s family relocated to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, where he was raised alongside his siblings Ella, David, Danny, Valerie, and Brenda. Ernie attended Manual Training High School, later renamed John Jay High School.

He loved to play baseball and even organized a team called The Midgets. He also organized a bike club and he was the only member with a 10-speed. In his adult life he loved admiring nature, caring for exotic birds and parrots, watching baseball, bike riding, and walking through the neighborhood. He helped coach his son Eric’s CYO basketball team at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

One of his most prized possessions was his 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette.

Ernie worked as the supervisor of groundsmen with the New York City Housing Authority, he had a natural affinity for horticulture and through his role with NYCHA, he became a Certified Nursery Landscape Professional. He also worked as the custodian at a daycare operated by Graham Windham, the first private orphanage in New York City, before retiring.

Through his journey of 86 years on this Earth, Ernie enriched the lives of others with his wisdom, his humor, and his kindness. He was extremely patient and caring, and a truly selfless man who went above and beyond for the ones he loved. He was the definition of a provider and through his generosity, so many were able to succeed.

Some of Ernie’s favorite places were Coney Island and Prospect Park, as Brooklyn was always a big part of his life. After moving to Queens Village, he was always busy around the neighborhood running errands, picking up his grands from school, and enjoying leisure time at Braddock park with his kids and grands.

In 2022 Ernie moved to DeLand, Florida with his daughter and grands to kick back, relax, and enjoy his golden years.

Ernest Wicker Jr. transitioned peacefully on April 2, 2026 at home in bed, surrounded by his loving family.

Remaining to cherish Ernie’s memory are his sons Edgar, Eric, and Angel; daughter Athena; son-in-law Spencer; grandchildren Seana, Mekhi, Aiana, Jayden, Ernest, Ashlie, Alexsa, and Mylz; sisters Ella and Brenda; a host of nieces and nephews, and his extended family and friends.  

Visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, US, on April 17, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a live stream available at https://fweb.tv/251171.  

Final Respects & Prayers will take place at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428, US, on April 18, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.  

Burial will follow at The Evergreens Cemetery, 16-29 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207, on April 18, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.