Ernest Marshall Cain

Ernest Marshall Cain, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend entered heaven peacefully on April 19, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, determination, and generosity.

Born August 23, 1939, Ernest grew up in Salisbury, NC. In 1960 he found himself on the side of the highway out of gas with his first wife, Marilyn Grant Dalrymple, and son Marty in the car on their way to Atlanta. He found a job at Atlantic Steel and worked his way up, becoming the Superintendent of their galvanizing plant. Metalplate Galvanizing came in to potentially buy the plant in Atlanta. Future partner and longtime friend, Hartwell Davis, was told “you don’t want to hire Ernest, he’s trouble” when evaluating the personnel at the plant. Ernest told Hartwell, “If you want to make a lot of money, you buy this plant and put me in charge of it.” Hartwell did just that, and this ultimately led to the creation of Metalplate Galvanizing, L.P. Ernest and Hartwell grew Metalplate into the largest privately owned galvanizer in the country. He created not just a successful business, but opportunities for countless others, whom Ernest deeply cared about.

He was known for his competitive spirit and tough nature, shaped by a hard upbringing that forged his resilience. Ernest was stubborn, quick to stir up a little trouble, and never one to back down from a challenge- but he balanced that edge with a kindness, a love to laugh, and a generous heart.

Ernest was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. “Pop,” as he was known by his family and many others, particularly enjoyed his Lake Oconee house packed with family and friends on the Fourth of July. Eager to travel for his family, he attended many, if not all, his children and grandchildren’s football, baseball, basketball, and soccer games. He had a lifelong love of golf and was a true legend at Ansley Golf Club, where his presence and character will not soon be forgotten.

Ernest is survived by his beloved wife Tracy Harris Cain, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage filled with love. He is preceded in death by his father Herbert Newton Cain and his mother Addie Bell Dedmon Henderson. He is also survived by his sisters Shelia Fries and Angie Harbinson. He was an adored father to son Marty Cain (Renee’), daughter Pam Cain Matthews (Steve), son Ernie Cain (Taryn), and daughter Maggie Cain. He was a proud grandfather to Grant Cain (Shauna), Travis Cain (Ann Marie), Angie Walton (Alex), Blake Cain (Traci), Austin Cain (Kelly), Lee Greenberger, and Dallas Cain. In addition to his grandchildren, he was a great grandfather to 13 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

A celebration of life honoring Ernest’s life will be held May 8th, 2026 at 7:00pm at Ansley Golf Club. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate The Man, The Myth and The Legend, Ernest Cain. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society or the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.