Ernest (“Ernie”) Nolen Blasingame Jr, 79, passed peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 24th.
Ernie grew up in Central Heights and was valedictorian of Central Heights High School in
1964. From there Ernie attended Florence State College (University of North Alabama) where he majored in political science with aspirations of being a lawyer. He continued to work toward those aspirations by attending law school at the University of Tennessee, where he graduated at the top of his class and was editor and chief of the Tennessee Law Review. Ernie was a partner at Potts & Young before branching out on his own, spending decades serving the people in his community.
“Ernie the Attorney” loved practicing law and having a positive impact in people’s lives, but he loved being with friends and family even more. Whether being on the river or playing golf (poorly), his quick whit and genuine joy of fellowship was always on display and there was a joke on the ready for each occasion. Later in his life Ernie became very focused on his spirituality and felt he was deeply blessed by God! He enjoyed spending time reading scripture and sharing the gospel with friends, which provided comfort and guidance as his health faltered over the last several years.
Ernie is survived by his beloved daughter Christy Duncan, his pride and joy, and her husband Tim Duncan and grandchildren Rachel, Brooks and Garrett. Watching their family and his grandchildren gave him great fulfillment. He is also survived by two siblings, Ben Blasingame and Bonetha Massengale (Rob). He cherished his time with his special niece Bonnie Drake (Tad) and great niece Raylee Drake as well as his other nieces, cousins and family that loved him dearly. He is proceeded in death by his parents Nolen and Reba Blasingame and his wife, Kathy Blasingame.
The family will post a time and venue for a private celebration of life in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ernest Blasingame Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will provide scholarships to local students interested in a career in law to attend the University of North Alabama. Donations can be made by visiting UNA.EDU/GIVE and searching Ernest or Blasingame, or by mailing checks made payable to the UNA Foundation with the memo line referencing the Ernest Blasingame Memorial Endowed Scholarship to: UNA Foundation, UNA Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632
As Ernie’s health declined it took a supportive village to administer his care, for which we are extremely grateful. We want to extend a Big thank you to Marti McKean for her incredible, tireless effort. We would also like to thank Cornerstone Caregiving, Affinity Hospice, Amanda Jefferies, Kim Hill, Nicole Hickman, Amanda Echols, and Lea Anne Carter for the outstanding care provided- you were a blessing to our family and he loved each and every one of you.
