Ernest B. "Ernie" French

Ernest B. “Ernie” French, age 63 of Paris, TN, died Monday, May 13, 2019, at his residence in Paris, TN.

He retired as a service engineer after almost 40 years, last working for Baker-Perkins.  Ernie’s work allowed him to travel and see the world.  While Ernie enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, and NASCAR, especially the Daytona 500, his family and friends were always the most important part of his life.  He loved his community and was a strong supporter of Henry County Helping Hand.  He was a Godly man and lived with a servant’s heart.

Ernie was born April 23, 1956, in Muskegon, MI, to the late Lewis J. “Bud” French and the late Ollie Jane Smith French.

He is survived by two sisters, Brenda McClain of Spring Lake, MI, and Judy Olson of Grand Haven, MI; three nieces, Leann Pitts of Zeeland, MI, Sarah Pangburn of McDonough, GA, and Stephanie Jacocks of Cleveland, TN; seven nephews, David Prairie of East Ridge, TN, Bradley French of Holland, MI, Marcus French of Grand Haven, MI, Joshua Prairie of Chattanooga, TN, Benjamin French of Coopersville, MI, Kyle Olson of Michigan, and Kurtis Olson of Michigan; nine great nieces; and four great nephews; and lifetime family friends, Joe Frensley, Jeannie & Dale O’Daniel, Lisa Frensley Salmon, and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Janice Prairie; one brother, Robert French; and one brother-in-law, Steve Prairie.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  Visitation will be Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Monday, May 20, 2019, from 10:30 am – 11:30 am.  The funeral service will be Monday, May 20, 2019, at 11:30 am at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with David Prairie and Joshua Prairie officiating.

Pallbearers will be David Prairie, Joshua Prairie, Marcus French, Benjamin French, Dale O’Daniel, Judah Prairie, Asher Prairie, and Colby Jacocks.  Named as honorary pallbearers are Joe Frensley and Tim Pangburn.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  Henry County Helping Hand, PO Box 22, Paris, TN 38242   OR   St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.