Ernest "Ernie" Earl Applewhite, Jr.

Ernest “Ernie” Earl Applewhite, Jr., age 65, lost his battle with FTD and ALS on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at his home in Gautier, MS surrounded by his loving family. Ernie was born on July 15, 1953 in Pascagoula and was a proud lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Ernie enjoyed living on the water, sailing to the islands and cruising down the beaches. He was an artist, a golfer and a true patriot that loved his country and community. He loved Mardi Gras and served as King Ares XXXV for the Krewe of Venus in 2012. He enjoyed live music and dancing, whether it was in the kitchen with his wife or in front of a large crowd at a concert and he could always be found tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. He was affectionately known as “Ern the Churn” for his signature dance moves and always being the life of the party. Ernie sincerely dedicated the years he had to his family and friends and truly enjoyed his life to the fullest. Ernie was also a hard worker. After 30 years, Ernie retired from Mississippi Phosphates in Pascagoula, MS, he then spent the next 7 years working overseas in Iraq during the war and after coming home continued to work as a project manager on large industrial projects around the country. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Doris (Kersh) Applewhite, Sr.; his brother, Guy Applewhite; and his nephew, Brian Applewhite. Ernie was married to his devoted wife, Susan Arneson Applewhite for 38 years. He was the loving father of three daughters, Kelly (Cliff) LeBlanc of Brandon, MS, Lisa (Tyler) Decker of Victor, MT and Gina Kaye Applewhite of Gautier, MS. He was the proud grandfather of Garrett Mason Ward, Lucy Apple Decker and a granddaughter due in March 2019. He was the loyal brother of Roger (Vicki) Applewhite, Scott (Monique) Applewhite and Gretta Applewhite. He was the son-in-law of Dorothy (Bud) Lester. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 29, from 10 am until 12 noon, with a 12 noon Memorial Service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Following the burial in Crestlawn Memorial Park, there will be a Celebration of Life at the home of Roger and Vicki Applewhite, 716 Cox Avenue, Ocean Springs. Ernie was taken too soon. He will be deeply missed and his memory will live forever in our hearts.