Ernest "Ernie" Edward Jones Jr.

Let me preface this by saying this will not be a traditional obituary. Ernie was born at 8:18 am in Austin, Tx. and transcended to his heavenly journey at 8:18 pm on the banks of Lake Travis in Mansfield Dam Park. A place he remembered fondly as some of the best times of his youth, water skiing with family and friends.

Ernie was a born and raised Austinite. He spent most of his childhood in University Hills in Northeast Austin where he attended Reagan High School but ultimately ended up graduating from high school in Corsicana, TX. Ernie attended trade school at Austin Community School. As a young man he had a career working in the oil industry on a pipeline barge offshore and a land rig in Somerville, TX. He later changed career paths and spent most of his adult life as a heavy equipment operator for multiple construction companies.

Ernie had a true love for people and never met a stranger. He loved babies and children, motorcycles, any activity around water, especially water skiing and had an ear for good music.

In writing this obituary I decided to draw on the words from friends, family and acquaintances of Ernie’s. The words kind, sweet, loving, gentle spirit, infectious laughter, huge smile, friendly, loved babies & children, never met a stranger, made you feel special were made over and over but resoundingly, the word “kind” was used over and over to describe Ernie. A simple man, who never ask for much, a humble and kind soul.

Our gifts can also be our affliction however, and Ernie felt the world with a kind of tortured sensitivity having lost his own Mother at the tender age of 6, it seemed to set him up to feel the chaos of life on a different level. He felt much comfort, joy, peace and happiness but was never truly able to escape his inner turmoil which was hidden to those around him. An emotional cancer so to speak. Despite his lifelong efforts to find peace, medicine and substances could not cure, counselors could not quiet, nor could the love and affection of those around him, adequately sooth his pain. In the end, despite our best efforts to help, his emotional cancer was incurable. In the words of a cherished friend, losing his son Dustin earlier this year, and having to endure a world without “all” of his beautiful children was just too much for him to bear.

Ernie’s life was a precious gift to those who knew and loved him, even though sometimes it brought anxiety and heartbreak. When a disease is terminal, all the love, and concern in the world cannot bring a cure.

Ernie is survived by his wife Cathy, his daughter Meagan, son Cody and his wife Molly and precious grandbabies Harper, Rowdy, Bellamy, Briggs and Jett, brother Chris, sisters Lori, Linda and Lisa, favorite cousin Tommy and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, other extended family and lifelong friends.

Ernie was predeceased by his mom Jane, father Eddie, stepmom Sidonia, son Dustin, sister Debbie, and his grandparents, may you now be in the arms of these angels.

Ernie lives still inside our love and affection, and God willing, inside a peace and security that so much eluded him in this earthly life.

Please consider making a donation to STAY; Honor Connor or any mental health organization of your choice. I hope this obituary doesn’t make you uncomfortable but if it touches even one soul to seek help, so be it, say it out loud. STAY;

Cremation by Weed Corley Fish, there will be a remembrance visitation for family and friends on Saturday, January 4th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Weed Corley Fish, 2620 S Congress Ave.; Austin, TX Ph: 512-442-1446