Ernest Anderson Lunsford

Ernest Anderson 'Ernie' Lunsford, age 80, died unexpectedly at his home early Monday morning, January 5, 2015. He was born March 8, 1934 in Del Rio, (Cocke County, TN), a son of Ance and Ethel (Carlisle) Lunsford. In his youth, he attended area public schools, including Midway and Harmony Grove. As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and proudly served his country for three years before his discharge in December of 1956. After basic training, he was sent to Germany first and then to Austria as part of the last United States occupational forces from World War II. While he was away in service, his parents moved to Michigan and upon his return to the United States, he joined them in Detroit. He soon met his future wife, Marjorie Newton, through her sister who had married his first cousin. The two married July 13, 1957 and became the parents of one son and two daughters. He was a truck driver for over 40 years and worked for different companies. In 1975, the family returned to his native Cocke County. After working for Bennington Pine for a time, he began driving for Bush's and worked there until his retirement in 1993. As long as his health permitted, he devoted himself to helping his children and grandchildren in their many projects. He especially enjoyed attending the annual Veterans Day programs at Cosby Elementary School where he was a special guest of his grandchildren. He loved bluegrass and gospel music and also enjoyed working on his farm in Claiborne County. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and of the VFW. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Lee Vernon Lunsford, brother-in-law Warner Payne, and sister-in-law Sue Lunsford. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie Lunsford of Newport; son and daughter-in-law Ernest Anderson 'Ernie' (Pam) Lunsford and daughter and son-in-law Gail (Dan) Burchette, all of Newport; daughter and son-in-law Liz (Manney) Moore, of Cosby; six grandchildren: Jenny (Steven) Hunt of Jonesborough, Ernest A. 'Trey' (Heather) Lunsford, III, of Memphis; Caitlin Carlisle Burchette and Andy Burchette, both of Newport; and Maggey and Manney Moore of Cosby; and one great-grandchild, Azaleigh Hunt of Jonesborough. Additional survivors include his sisters and brothers-in-law Edna (W. C.) Vinson and Audrey (Luther) Woody, all of Newport; brother, Clenton Lunsford of Northville, Michigan; and sister and brother-in-law Marilyn (J. R.) McClelland of Ethel, Louisiana; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a host of friends. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at First United Methodist Church of Newport with funeral services at 1:00 pm. Church pastor the Rev. Dr. James Bennington will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Hospital, Memphis, TN. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home in charge

Ernest Anderson Lunsford

March 8, 1934 - January 5, 2015