Mr. Ernest Lee Moss Sr.

February 5, 2017

Ernest Lee Moss Sr., devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, went home to glory on Sunday, February 5th, 2017. Ernest was born on December 3rd in Rosston, Arkansas, the fourth child of Melvin and Alvanie Moss. Ernest was raised on a farm in Willisville, Arkansas where he enjoyed his childhood with his parents and siblings, Emma (known as Sue), Reuben (known as Billy), Luther (known as Ray), and Irma (known as Sally). The Moss family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan when he was 16, seeking better economic and educational opportunities. Ernest accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend Mabry Gardner at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, where his father Melvin was one of the founding members. Ernest graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he specialized as a Radio Technician and ranked as Lance Corporal. Following his service he received a Good Conduct Medal. Ernest returned to Kalamazoo and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. Ernest met Rolinda while enrolled at college. They were married and raised four children: two sons, Robert and Ernest Jr, and twin daughters, Sonita and Lolita. Ernest had a long career with the City of Kalamazoo as a financial analyst. He later helped his wife open Solo's Bridal, where he continued to work for over 27 years until his death. Ernest enjoyed a number of hobbies, including: fishing, sports, reading, photography, and cars. He loved music, especially jazz, blues, Motown, and reggae. He could often be found tinkering with electronics and computers. When he wasn't on his computer, you would often find him doing yardwork and gardening. He loved to plant peppers and tomatoes and enjoyed barbecueing during the summer. Ernest was a highly intelligent, humble, respectful, sensitive, honest, kind, and a dignified man. He was an extremely loving and devoted father and husband who dedicated his life to his family. Some of his fondest memories were when his children would leave to go to college. He would rent a U-Haul truck and do whatever was needed to ensure that his children were prepared for their journey. He would say, "I am doing this so that you can enlarge your vision of the world, you must run the race and not give up." He loved taking trips with his wife and kids and he always enjoyed going back home to Arkansas for family reunions. His greatest assets were his family and his home. He loved telling stories and educating his children about the world. Some of his favorite lessons in life were, "Whatever hand you are dealt, keep perservering and you can succeed" and "Never give up". He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Alvanie, his brother, Luther Ray Moss, and his niece, Kelly Prude. He leaves to mourn: sister Emma Harris, brother Reuben (Thelma) Moss, sister Irma (Robert) Prude, and aunts Gladys Williams and Minnie P. Rogers. Ernest also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. "Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit.". I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he's exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. "