EARNEST "BIG ERNIE" HELTON

Earnest “Big Ernie” Helton, age 78, of Ewing, VA, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021 at home while surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Beverly, KY on February 25, 1943 to the late James “Jim” and Edna Mae Blevins Helton.

A giving heart, Ernie looked for ways to help others. He was a founder of Thomas Walker Football and a co-founder of the Thomas Walker Rescue Squad. An outdoorsman, Ernie loved to fish, hunt and grow a garden – much of which he gave away! “Big Ernie” will be remembered for his smile, laughter and love. He will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Ernie’s final request… “Make America Great Again”!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Loretta Mae Helton and eleven siblings.

He is survived by the following members of his family, loving sons Earnest Ray Helton and wife Tammy of Ewing, VA., and Mark Helton and wife Shonna of Ewing, VA., stepdaughter Michelle Julian and husband Roger of Cincinnati, OH., brothers Paul Helton of Kingsport, TN., and Leonzee Helton of Cincinnati, OH., grandchildren Joshua Helton and wife Savannah, Justin Helton and wife Jessica, Devon Helton and wife Mackenzie, Brandon Helton, Myra Gent, Christopher Martin and wife Casey and Joe Martin, great-granddaughter Riley Martin, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Family of Ernie Helton will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Justin Helton and Rev. Odie Carroll officiating. Obituary reading by Devon Helton, music provided by Savanna Helton, Stephanie Eldridge and Wanda Carroll.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Green Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Helton Family.

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