Ernie Lee Hussey

ernie hussey

Ernie Lee Hussey, 76, formerly of Havelock, NC, died unexpectedly on May 18, 2023 at his home in Asheboro, NC. He was born March 18, 1947 in Robbins, NC. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelors in Science in Horticulture and Botany and researched with the esteemed Dr. Nelson at NCSU. He taught at Havelock High School 1969-72, and in partnership with Kenneth Piner of Williston, started East Carolina Nursery, eventually expanding to include six commercial greenhouses. Ernie was known locally especially for his beautifully grown poinsettias. He married Jo Walker and together they opened Havelock Garden Center. The business expanded to Plant World, Morehead City, and Ernie’s Gift World, Atlantic Beach. Ernie was also a licensed real estate broker and owned Hussey Business Brokers in Craven-Carteret counties. As hardworking as he was, he always had time to enjoy his love of nature and also made time to teach others to love it as well.

He is survived by his children:  Dr. Jeanne Hopkins of Portsmouth, VA, Shannon Maynard and her husband, Paul, of Papillion, NE, and Ernie Lee Hussey, Jr. (“E.J.”) of Havelock, NC. He is also survived by sisters Brenda McMillan and husband Jack of Whispering Pines and Minnie Higgins and husband Andy of Fountain Valley, CA and brothers David, Barney, and Joel Hussey, all of Robbins, NC, many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Carl Hussey, sisters Barbara (Ashworth) and Martha (Brewer), and brothers Worthy (Melinda), James (Eva), and Frank (Livera) Hussey.

 A memorial service will be 2:00 PM, June 4, 2023 at the Smyrna Church, Robbins, NC where Ernie was a proud member. Smyrna Church is considered the church foundation for the Hussey family. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 PM and following the service in the Smyrna Family Life Center.

Kennedy Funeral Home is serving the Hussey Family.

Condolences on line at pinesfunerals.com

Services

Memorial Service: June 4, 2023 2:00 pm

Smyrna Church
203 Smyrna Church Road
Robbins, NC 27325

464-3188

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  1. It was so sad to hear of Ernie’s death.
    I am just so glad that many of us had time with him at our class reunion in February.
    Going to school with Ernie was a real pleasure.
    He was such a wonderful classmate. Will always remember our times together.
    Prayers for his family & May they find comfort.
    Linda Wallace

    • Ernie was a great human being, neighbor, and friend. He would do anything for anyone and always loved making people laugh and smile with his jokes. Fly high buddy and see ya down the road. Love your neighbor and more importantly your friend. RIP

  2. Graduated in 65 with Ernie at Elise High In Robbins NC we recently had a class reunion and was so glad to see him there. He had a big heart brought flowers and candy to the reunion to go on each table. He was fun loving and was a good person. He and Billy Hussy were roommates in college and also was a good classmate and friend. Deepest sympathy to his family Bradie Taylor Carthage NC

  3. I am so sorry today we lost Ernie this past weekend. He was a wonderful classmate… kind… thoughtful… He will be missed by all of us…

  4. So sorry to hear. Sending prayers to the families.Ernie was a good person. May God bless his soul!

  5. I am so sorry we have lost another classmate. I am so thankful Ernie was able to attend our recent class reunion, even though he was in pain from his accident days before our reunion. He loved and cared for his classmates and the feeling was mutual. Ernie wanted to do his part to make the reunion a special one. He contributed floral arrangements, nuts and gum drops (Ernie said gum drops were special in 1965) for the occasion.He will be greatly missed! Praying the family will find peace and comfort in the Lord during this difficult time. Margie

  6. Ernie was a good man always liked to joke around when I seen him. He was always walking at the area he lived or even riding a bike. He had a big heart and would help anyone if he could. You will be missed Ernie by so many. Sending prayers to the family.

  7. Prayers for the family. I saw Ernie the day of their
    1965 Class Reunion . He was telling me jokes and laughing. A friend .

  8. Ernie was a special brother to Frank! They are now together again with the Saints who have gone on before.

  9. Ernie was a lively and kind soul. He was larger than life, a very charismatic man. He will be greatly missed among friends and family. I’m

  10. Gone Too Soon (Michael Jackson)

    Like a comet blazing ‘cross the evening sky, Gone too soon.
    Like a rainbow fading in the twinkling of an eye, Gone too soon.
    Shiny and sparkly and splendidly bright, here one day….gone one night.
    Like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, Gone too soon.
    Like castle built upon a sandy beach, Gone too soon.
    Like a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach, Gone too soon.
    Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight….here one day Gone one night.
    Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, Gone too soon.
    Gone too soon.

    Rest in Peace Ernie

  11. I’ve always loved you. We met in 1969 and were married 31 years. You gave me 3 priceless gifts with the names Jeanne, Shannon, and EJ. Those gifts sustained me through the troubling times. They comfort me now as we try to continue without you in our lives. We have so many good memories, though, as well as lessons learned on gardening and the love of nature. Ernie, you were a good, kind soul and I hope with all my heart that you’ve found peace.

  12. My husband and I purchased Ernie’s Gift World from Ernie in 1995.
    It was a Great 26 years, before we closed the store in 2021.
    Thank you, Ernie.
    Our sympathy to the family.


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