David Lee Ernest

For more than two years David fought against cancer as he did all things in life – with wisdom and courage. He was thankful to all those who he allowed to see him along on that journey for their love and support.

David was no stranger to struggle and loss, but was a deeply compassionate man and was always able to find the good in any situation. He was always ready with a cheerful word and an open heart. He gave us all a beautiful example of how wonderful and loving the human spirit is.

Friends knew him as the “Master of Time and Space” – a gentle spirit, loving, funny, kind… and tall. Some of his greatest adventures included sky diving and cross country road trips with the Bunkhouse Boys, college friends who have remained loyal and loving throughout the years.

David was a man who believed strongly in the power and meaning of words, and loved to tell a good story. He was also known as ‘Crazy Dave’ – crazy in love with his wife, crazy proud of his children and their families, crazy loyal to his friends, crazy hopeful in living, and crazy courageous in dying.

David’s greatest struggle was leaving Gwen and his three daughters behind. He was strong in his faith and was at peace with the Lord. He vowed he would be watching over the four of them. He also deeply valued his bond with his son-in-laws, with whom he shared his wisdom and his joy in grilling and cooking.

David was born in Charlotte, N.C., the son of Frederick L. and Patricia Jane Smith Ernest. Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred, David was a Journalism graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and was a newspaper publisher and a respected industry leader. He worked for Landmark Communications for 29 years, and served on the S.C. Press Association during his time as Publisher of the Lancaster News.

He married Gwen Lee Gronborg Ernest September 1, 1991 after nearly three years of courtship in which neither had to chase the other; they were like magnets attracted to each other almost instantly.

David precedes his father in death and his dear sister, Mary Jane Calvert, along with her daughter, Amanda Parker and her family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Gwen; three loving daughters: Katherine Lee Ernest Galligan and husband Ryan; MacKenzie Ellen Ernest Cassetta and husband Bryan; and Elizabeth Drew Ernest. He is known as `PopPop’ to his four adoring grandchildren: Bailey Ryan, Hannah Lee, Ava Brynnan and Tyler David.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, 4219 Hard Scrabble Rd., Columbia, S.C. Traditional Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at White Oak ARP Church, 284 Patrick Rd, Winnsboro, SC 29180, at 11:00 a.m. followed by graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, NC to further the search for a cancer cure.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.