Ernesto Sinnerez Salera II

November 2, 1957 – August 28, 2026

Ernesto Sinnerez Salera II, affectionately known as Ernie, was born on November 2, 1957, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Ernesto Sinnerez Salera I and Adele Elizabeth Fountain Salera.

Ernie’s life was defined by curiosity, service, faith, family, friendship, and a genuine love for experiencing every moment. He passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Ernie attended Millington Central High School, where he was well known for his personality, his unique sense of style, and his many friendships. He was an incredibly popular student and was voted Mr. Millington. Even from a young age, Ernie had a way of making people feel welcome and remembered.

His childhood was filled with activity and service. He worked as a paperboy, served as an altar server, and was involved in Webelos and Boy Scouts. His willingness to serve others began early in life and continued throughout his years.

After high school, Ernie attended the University of Memphis, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Quantitative Methods and Business Systems. His college years were filled with friendships, activities, and memories. He played rugby for Ole Number 7, was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and cheered for the University of Memphis. His love for the University of Memphis remained with him throughout his life.

Ernie also proudly served his country. He served two years in the United States Air Force and went on to serve six years in the National Guard.

After completing his military service, Ernie’s love of travel and adventure led him to an exciting opportunity with Saudi Arabian Airlines. He and his wife, Debie, moved to Saudi Arabia, where they lived for six years. It was during their time there that Ernie and Debie welcomed their daughter, Jeddah, beginning another important chapter in their lives.

After six years in Saudi Arabia, Ernie and Debie moved back to the United States with their daughter. It was then that Ernie began his long and successful career with FedEx Express, where he eventually became a Senior Product Manager.

His professional career was only one part of the remarkable life he lived.

One of Ernie’s greatest passions was acting. He loved being in front of the camera and appeared in films, television programs, and commercials throughout his life. He acted in at least a dozen films, ranging from local independent productions to Hollywood projects, including Nothing But the Truth, Soul Man, and My Blueberry Nights.

Ernie also appeared in commercials for Kroger, Wonder Bread, the famous J.G. Wentworth, BankPlus, Right Choice Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ashley Furniture, Perkins Restaurants, and many others.

One appearance he was especially proud of was his role in the music video for country singer Tim McGraw’s “Here on Earth.” In the video, Ernie said, “We should be walking hand in hand with each other. We should be looking out after each other.” Although those words were part of the song, they were authentically Ernie. He truly believed in looking out for other people and making the world a better place through kindness and service.

Service was a theme that carried throughout Ernie’s entire adult life. He volunteered his time with countless organizations, including United Way and Room in the Inn, where he volunteered at the soup kitchen for many years. He never seemed to meet a person, organization, or cause that he didn’t want to help.

His faith was an especially important part of Ernie’s life. His involvement with his church was extensive and deeply meaningful to him. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and helped start the Young Squires group. He participated in children’s liturgy programs, served as a lecturer and Eucharistic minister, and was a VIRTUS trainer for the church. His faith was not simply something he believed; it was something he lived through service to others.

Ernie and his wife, Debie, also shared a remarkable commitment to helping children and families. Together, they volunteered their time as foster parents through the Memphis Juvenile Court system, opening their home and their hearts to children who needed love, stability, and support.

Family was at the center of Ernie’s life. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He treasured his family and especially loved being a grandfather to Kiffin Brooks and Penelope.

Ernie had a passion for life and never wanted to miss a moment. He was famously known for recording everything. Whether it was a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply an ordinary day, Ernie wanted to capture it. He wanted to remember it, share it, and make sure no moment was lost.

He was endlessly curious and always wanted to learn something new. He asked questions, explored new interests, and genuinely wanted to understand the world around him. That curiosity was one of the qualities that made him so uniquely Ernie.

Among his favorite things were his beloved Green Bay Packers and the University of Memphis. He loved sports, entertainment, his family, his faith, and, perhaps most of all, people.

Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved father, Ernesto Sinnerez Salera I.

Ernie leaves behind his beloved wife, Debie; his daughter, Jeddah; his son-in-law, Frencis; and his two cherished grandchildren, Kiffin Brooks and Penelope. He is also survived by his mother, Adele; his sisters, Sheila and Genna; his brother, Eddie; and his many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ernie lived a life of service. He served his country, his church, his community, his family, and countless people along the way. From Norfolk to Millington, to Memphis, Tennessee, then to Saudi Arabia and back home again, Ernie embraced every chapter of his life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and love.

His legacy will live on in the family he loved, the children he helped, the organizations he served, the church he devoted himself to, the friends he made, the stories he recorded, and the countless lives he touched.

Services

A funeral service celebrating Ernie’s life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at:

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

8151 Chimney Rock Blvd.

Cordova, TN 38016

A reception will follow in the PLC.

Most importantly, Ernie will be remembered simply for being Ernie—a man who loved deeply, served generously, asked questions, made people laugh, captured every moment, and believed in looking out for one another.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Ernesto Sinnerez Salera II

November 2, 1957 – August 28, 2026