Ernest Toomer

Dateline:  Fayetteville, NC

Mr. Ernest Toomer , 70, died Sunday, April 14, 2013 in Cape Fear Valley Hospital.

Ernie was born in Georgetown, South Carolina on August 19, 1942 to the late Katherine and Thaddeus Toomer. While he was still an infant, the family, which included two other sons, Thaddeus Jr. and James, relocated to Brooklyn, New York.

Ernie , as he was known to most, was educated in the New York City School system where his love of mechanics led him to attend and graduate from Brooklyn Automotive High School. Before he could put the skills he had learned to good use, Uncle Sam called and he spent 2 years in the Army as a paratrooper jumping out of perfectly good airplanes.

After his separation from the service in 1963, he spent several years as a mechanic in a service station before deciding to open his own auto repair business which he operated until his retirement.

Anyone who spent any time around him could share stories about his escapades. The original “wild and crazy guy”, he enjoyed having a good time, however, he was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need.

On Sunday, April 14, 2013, after a long illness, Ernest joined his mother, father and brother James, all of whom had previously been called to their eternal reward.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his daughter and son-in-law (Laverne and Keith Howard), his granddaughters (Jacqueline Delores Smith and Nichole Lisa Howard), a grandson (Corey Sinclair Howard), his great grandsons (Sean Anthony Smith and Imani Chayton Howard), his great granddaughter (Jazmine Michelle Smith), his former wife (Jacqueline Toomer) who was his best friend to the end and his brother, Thaddeus Jr.

Too numerous to list are the many other relatives and friends who will miss him but are glad that he is at peace.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM -3:00 PM Saturday, April 20, 2013 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28304. A memorial service will begin at 3:00 PM with Pastor Tony Wilson Officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be 12:00 Noon, Monday, April 22, 2013 at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC with Pastor Tony Wilson Officiating.

Arrangements for the family are in the care of LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd, Fayettevillw, NC 28304. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.