Ernest Steven Mitchem

Ernest was born on October 27, 1946 in Gaston County to the late William Johnny Harris and the late Audrey Harris Mitchem. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Samuel R. Mitchem.

Ernest found joy in discovering the past through the things people left behind. He was an avid collector of antiques, coins, knives, and firearms—each piece chosen not for its value, but for the history and craftsmanship it represented. Ernest always loved to tell the story, one of many of how he became a Pop Warner All American. Ernest was also a member of Bright Light Baptist Church and loved to give back to the community through various charities. Professionally, Ernest poured his energy into Gaston Asphalt Paving Inc., where he served as a dedicated co‑owner with his son, Troy. He took great pride in the work he and his team accomplished, valuing honest labor and the satisfaction of building something that would last.

He is survived by his sons, Micheal Mitchem, Rodney Mitchem, and Troy Mitchem (Angela); grandsons, Derek, Corey (Shelby), Doug (Ashley), Daniel, Aaron (Summer), Joshua, Nathaniel, and Nicholas; as well as great grandsons, Tripp, Connor, Gauge, Konnor, Elijah, and Crew.

A visitation will be held at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, located at 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054, on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue on Saturday, February 7, 2026, starting at 11:00 am with burial to immediately follow at Gaston Memorial Park.