Ernest "Bear" Walter Caldwell

Ernest "Bear" Walter Caldwell, the son of the late Pete Caldwell Jr. and Josephine Avery Caldwell was born October 11, 1934 in Burke County, NC. He peacefully entered into eternal rest at Autumn Care, Drexel, NC, Thursday, March 23, 2017. Ernest did not finish school, because he started working in the logging industry.

Ernest was a Renaissance man. He was a construction worker and built many of the buildings in Burke County. He could be hired on a job today and be the foreman the next day. He worked as a Longshoreman on the docks of San Pedro, CA, while living in Los Angeles and had his own wrecker service. He was an entrepreneur and had a number of businesses. He loved the outdoors and spent a number of weekends boating on Lake James. He had the Spiritual Gift of giving and used his trade to help anyone in need. He did many jobs without charging anything. He built ramps and additions on homes, Willow Tree AME, Israel Chapel AME, Brick Haven Nursing facility, and for many others at no cost. He gave away more firewood than he sold. He was a dedicated member of Willow Tree AME Church, a trustee, and believer in Jesus Christ. He married Elma Elizabeth Thomas, in 1950 and to this Union five children were born.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda D. Caldwell Wilkins; a granddaughter, Shonna Caldwell; and grandson DuWayne Hayes; two sisters, Annie Mae Caldwell and Nannie Ervin; a brother Daniel "Bob"Caldwell.

He leaves to cherish loving memories, his wife Elma Caldwell of Newberry, SC; three sons, Ernest E. Caldwell(Sandra), Bellflower, CA; Warren S. Caldwell (Debra), Newberry, SC; Ronald L. Caldwell Owens (Gwendolyn), Durham, NC; and one daughter, Gwenda M. Caldwell Vaughn (Anthony), Welch, WV; included is a daughter, Debra Hayes (Daniel), Boone, NC; a son, Mike Harbison, Morganton; 20 grandchildren; 56 great grandchildren; 17 great great grandchildren; one brother, William "Bill" Caldwell (Delia); two sisters, Angelee Connelly (Ted); and Mary Caldwell, all of Morganton; one brother-in-law Bruce Ervin, of Morganton; two sisters -in-law, Jana Caldwell of Morganton, and Vivian Wilkerson of Victorville, CA; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at Willow Tree AME Church at 1200 noon, Thursday, March 30, 2017.

The family will receive friends at 11:00am prior to the service at the church. Rev. Kerry Rigsbee is the pastor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Willow Tree AME Church for furnace unit, send to James Avery 1828 Watermill Rd. Morganton, NC 28655. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkseymorganton.com.

Funeral Services Provided By:

Kirksey Funeral Home | 406 Lenoir Road

Morganton, NC | 28655 | (828) 437-2111