Ernest "Tee" Essex, Sr. was born on June 15, 1933 in Marion, Alabama to the union of the late "Deacon" Isaac Essex Sr. and Dinah Banks Essex. On Monday, May 15, 2023, he passed away at the age of 89, at his home.

Ernest attended Lincoln High School in Perry County, Alabama.

Ernest accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Marion, Alabama. After moving to Fort Wayne, Ind., he joined Greater Progressive Baptist Church and later moved his membership to Providence Baptist Church.

In 2003, he retired from General Motors in Defiance, Ohio.

He loved playing baseball, and entertaining people. He will be remembered for being a hard worker and always being sharply dressed.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Bowen Essex; five sons, Ernest Essex Jr., Harold L. Essex Sr., Sylvester S. Essex, and Kimothy I. (Angela) Essex, and William (Cynthia) Russell; one daughter, Debra A. (Sam) Powers; one brother, James (Velma) Essex; four sisters, Mary E. Perry, Mary L. Essex, Frances Milan, and Wilma (Paul) Everette; one sister-in-law, Cora Essex; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Ernest was preceded in death by his brothers, "Deacon" Arthur Essex Sr., "Deacon" Albert Essex Sr., Isaac Essex Jr., Wilbert Essex; and sisters, Rosanne Essex, Annie Essex, and Mable Martin.

Homegoing celebration will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 27, 2023 with calling one hour prior at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

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