Chattanooga Times Free Press

Ernest Dupree Sr.

Ernest Milton Dupree, Sr., 102, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Ernest was of the Christian faith and a follower of Jesus Christ. He read his Bible and prayed daily. Rev. Billy Graham was his pastor. He never missed reading and saving Billy Graham’s daily writings in the newspaper.

Ernest was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 30th, 1920 to the late Henry W. Dupree and Ethel Galloway.

Ernest grew up in Lynn, Alabama. He was raised on the family farm plowing fields with horse and mule, picking cotton and raising crops.

In 1940 he joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) and traveled throughout the U.S. maintaining National Parks and Forests.

On June 25, 1942 he married Pernie Jane Riddle in Haleyville, Alabama and moved to Rossville, GA. On August 24, 1942 he entered the Army of the United States and served in the Military Police Detachment in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946. While in the Army he received the World War II Victory Medal, an American Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Cpl.

After leaving the military he attended Kirkman Technical High and studied Accounting. After completing his accounting studies he worked as general manager at Tri State Cigar Co. located on Carter Street in Chattanooga, TN. He later started his own business Cigarette Vending Co. From there he retired.

Ernest spent his retirement years enjoying many hobbies, spending time with grandchildren, fishing, helping family, mowing grass and chain sawing firewood. He was also a professional beekeeper.

Ernest spent the last 10 years living with his son Rodney (Becky) Dupree in Chickamauga.

Ernest passed peacefully and is with his Lord in Heaven.

A special thank you to Becky Dupree for her loving care and support she provided during his 10 year stay in Chickamauga.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Pernie Jane Dupree and son, Ernest M. Dupree, Jr.

Survivors include his son, Rodney (Becky) Dupree; daughter, Veta Hall; sister, Avalena Kelly; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Thrive at Brow Wood for all their love and care for Ernest during his time there.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Keith McLeod officiating. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences and view memorial tribute.

The family will receive friends 11-1 PM Monday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

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2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://edition.timesfreepress.com/article/281711208909054

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