Mr. Earnest Ellison Jr.

Nashville, Tennessee 65 Passed away at Vanderbilt Nashville. Earnest Ellison, Jr. was born March 13, 1956 in Athens, AL to the late Ernest Malone and Dorothy Jean Ruffin. He entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Junebug, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, received his education in the Athens City Public School System. He learned the importance of hard work at an early age and exhibited this character through-out his life. Earnest was employed by General Motors for 40 years, beginning his employment in 1981 at Saginaw Steering Gear/Delphi in Athens, AL. He transferred to GM Spring Hill Manufacturing in 2009 and was employed there until his retirement on July 1, 2021. Earnest was well known for his love of the outdoors, his Corvettes and his Auburn Tigers. Always cool and easy going, he never met a stranger. Often greeting everyone with a smile, he made many friendships over the years. Above all, Earnest loved his family; his time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family brought him much happiness. Earnest confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Hopewell M. B. Church in Tanner, Alabama. Earnest leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Melissa Bender Ellison, Nashville, TN; children: Monica (Julian) Burgin, Trinity, AL; Porcha (Sancho Saint ) Redus, Athens, AL; and Terrance Ellison, Harvest, AL; grandchildren: Tailor Stewart, Houston, TX; Myles Burgin, Trinity, AL; and Peyton Redus, Athens, AL. Earnest is survived by siblings Johnny Ruffin, Athens, AL and Demetress (Xaviar) Haygood, Tanner, AL; siblings Dwendow, E. Shane, David, Jackie, Michael, and Darryl ; aunt: Cleo Ellison, Chattanooga, TN; devoted mother-in-law, Odelia Bender, Mt. Juliet, TN; sisters-in-law, Vivian (Larry) Word, Rochelle Hayes, both of Mt. Juliet, TN, Cathy Bender, Hermitage, TN; Bonnie Campbell, Old Hickory, TN; and Crystal (Kris) James, Powder Springs, GA; brother-in-law, Michael (Carol) Thompson, Murfreesboro, TN. Earnest leaves behind a devoted niece, Kandace Walters and devoted nephew, Eric Jefferson, both of Tanner, AL. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Temperature checks and mask requirement strictly enforced. Please keep the Family in your prayers.

Mr. Earnest Ellison Jr.

March 13, 1956 - November 6, 2021