Ernest "Buzz" Alonzo Cherry Jr.

Ernest Alonzo Cherry, Jr. was the first born to Ella Watt & Ernest Alonzo Cherry, Sr. Buzz, as he was called, was an active New Yorker born in Manhattan in Harlem Hospital on June 15, 1934 and transitioned from this life into eternity on Saturday, January 2, 2016. Since he was the oldest brother, he insisted on being the leader and indeed he was. He was very protective of his brothers. Buzz was comfortable in his surroundings with a United Nations of neighbors. He attended St. Clemens School and went onto Shimer Junior High School and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. One of his interest was sports, particularly football, playing locally and later semi-professionally. He was a die-hard New York Yankees fan. Buzz loved collecting. He made model planes from kits and displayed them on his walls and shelves. He also collected Lionel and Franklin Mint trains. Buzz was a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict. He worked in the airline industry for many years and retired from Pan Am/Delta. After moving to Florida and working for another airline, he began working for Busch Gardens. He loved his job and the Busch Gardens family loved him. He worked for them for 13 years and had his uniform ready to go back to work next week. Anyone who met Buzz felt a closeness to him. He was personable, friendly, well-liked and popular. These qualities followed him throughout his life. A funeral service will be held at 4pm on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 at Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa; family will start receiving guests at 3pm.