Ernest William Fling Sr.

Ernest William Fling Sr., age 80, a resident of Riviera, Texas passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at his residence. He was born on June 24, 1929 in Slaton, Texas to E.O. Fling and Alice Tucker Fling. Mr. Fling was the salutatorian of the Bishop High School graduating class of May 1946. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army/Air Corps and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He worked for Fling Lumber and Ready Mix, Bishop, for his father and brother Bobby Fling. Later the business was moved to Kingsville and known as City Lumber where Mr. Fling was CEO of the company. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Bishop, life member of the American Legion #185, Bishop, and Elks Lodge #1926, Kingsville.

Mr. Fling was preceded in death on October 15, 1996 by his beloved wife, Cecilia Kay Fling; parents; two brothers, Oleon Fling and Bobby Fling; and two sisters, Betty Dawson and Aline Mertens.

He is survived by three sons, E.W. Fling Jr., Louis V. Fling and John James Fling, all of Riviera; one daughter, Angela C. Fling of Kingsville; one sister, Joan Fling of Bishop; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel, Kingsville. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel, Kingsville, with Evangelist Keith Bellamy officiating. Burial will follow in Bishop, Texas at Restland Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Veterans of Kleberg County Military Funeral Detail.

Active pallbearers will be Jay Lowman, Daniel Morgan, Edward Barrientes, Donald R. Elliott, Calvin Fuchs and Jeremy Stringer.

Condolences may be offered at www.turcottepipermortuary.com

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.