Raymond P. Ernst

Raymond P. Ernst Sr., 79, originally from Covington, KY, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2019, as a result of complications of a chronic illness. Ray had great expertise related to tires and heavy machinery, and he spent 36 years as a supervisor for the Edward C. Levy Co. in Dearborn, MI. He took tremendous pride in his work and always felt very well supported by the company and his co-workers. His hard work ethic and loyalty to the organization serve as great examples to others. Outside of work, Ray was an avid golfer, coin collector, bridge player, and gun enthusiast. He loved how these activities could allow him to connect on a personal level with others with shared interests. His mind and memory remained sharp until the end, as he faithfully read the daily newspaper, and dutifully completed the crossword and other puzzles. However, more than anything Ray was deeply committed to his family. He and his late wife, Pat, spent most of their lives together raising children in a home grounded on the values of faith and education. His involvement in all the varied activities and the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren brought him enormous joy and satisfaction. He proudly adopted the nickname, “Grandpa Pops”, and he would brag endlessly about his family to friends and acquaintances. Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Ernst, and daughter, Patricia Amy Ernst. He is survived by eleven children, Raymond Ernst Jr., Ronald Ernst, Robert Ernst, Richard Ernst, Ryan Ernst, Russ Ernst, Rory Joseph Ernst, Rene Jonathan Ernst, Mary (Ernst) Vallone, Sarah (Ernst) Raux, and Andrea Ernst. He is also survived by 20 grand-children, Raymond Ryu, Caroline and Zachary Taiju Ernst, R. Mark, Thomas, Joseph and Michael Ernst, Hannah, Caleb, Sophia and Nathan Ernst, Samantha and Stephanie Ernst, Logan, Dominic and Quentin Ernst, Isabella and Amelia Vallone, and Gabriel and Zooey Raux; and siblings, Marilyn (Guy) Revesz, Diane (Dale) Wassergord and John Ernst. A very special note of gratitude to the nurses and other professional staff at the University of Michigan Dialysis Clinic in the Livonia Center for Specialty Care. The Ernst family will receive guests on Tuesday, October 8, beginning at 3 pm until the 7 pm funeral service at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in Farmington, MI. A private interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI.