Ernest L. Smith

Born on December 23, 1926, in Varnville, South Carolina, Ernest's early years were shaped by strong family values, education, and perseverance. He attended the historic Robert Smalls School in Beaufort, South Carolina, where a love of learning and discipline took root.

Ernest relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he began the next chapter of his life. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, serving honorably as a Staff Sergeant. His military service reflected dedication, responsibility, and leadership during one of the most defining periods of the 20th century.

After his military service, Ernest established a life centered on hard work, family, and purpose. He settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he raised his family and became a respected member of the community. He worked for many years as Plant Manager at Allen Industries and Liquid Carbonic. Later in life, he continued working at Green Hill Senior Living and Rehabilitation, where he eventually retired.

Committed to lifelong learning, Ernest attended Lincoln Technical Institute to study HVAC. He also had a deep love for music and was a talented pianist and composer, expressing himself through blues and jazz. Music was both a passion and a form of personal expression throughout his life. Ernest was a Prince Hall Mason, guided by principles of brotherhood, service, and moral responsibility. His faith and values shaped how he lived and how he loved.

He was married to the love of his life, Thelma Bouknight, with whom he shared many years of marriage and family life. Following her passing, Ernest later married Joan Williams, with whom he retired and moved to Sebastian, Florida. After Joan's passing, Ernest returned to New Jersey, where he remained close to his family until his passing.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Reatha Smith; his brother Nathan Smith; his wives Thelma L. Bouknight and Joan Williams; his son Keith B. Smith; and his sons-in-law Roosevelt Hughes and Kenneth James Hutton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters Patricia Hughes and Jacqueline Hutton; his daughter-in-law Delores Smith (widow of Keith); his sons-in-love Jerome Williams and John Arvelo; his grandchildren Cheyanne Smith, Sonya Lynn Cooper (Ralph III), Patrick and Robert Incannella, Shannon and Dakota Smith; his great-grandchildren Robert and Sabrina Taylor, Jaelynn Hughes and Ralph Cooper IV; Patrick Incannella III, Anthony and Isabella Incannella, Alexander and Aria Gray and his great-great-grandson Anderson Taylor. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom he remained closely connected to throughout his life.

A visitation will be held on February 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at McCracken Funeral Home, located at 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. This will be followed by a funeral service starting at 12:00 pm at the same location.

A committal service will also take place on the same day at Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery, in Kenilworth, NJ.

Ernest's presence will be deeply missed, and his memory will be cherished by his family and friends. His life was one of dedication and love, and he will be remembered with great respect and admiration.