Ernest Lee Hundley

In Loving Memory of Ernest Lee Hundley

June 28, 1947 – October 18, 2025

On October 18, 2025, surrounded by love, Ernest Lee “Ernie” Hundley passed peacefully at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice House in Dobson, North Carolina. Though his earthly journey has ended, his stories, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ernest was born on June 28, 1947, in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, to Carlos and Evelyn Hundley. The second oldest of six children, he grew up learning the value of hard work, resilience, and loyalty. His quick wit and mischievous grin made him well-known among his siblings and friends even as a young boy.

In 1965, Ernie joined the United States Army and was soon deployed to Vietnam. During his service, he was injured by shrapnel and sent to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he spent six months relearning to walk, talk, read, and write. His determination through that experience defined the rest of his life — strong, stubborn, and unwilling to give up, no matter what came his way.

After returning home, Ernie began working in the Dye House at Quality Mills, later known as Cross Creek Apparel, where he dedicated more than 30 years of loyal service. Around that same time, fate introduced him to the love of his life, Clara Simpson. They were married on November 22, 1969, beginning a marriage built on deep devotion and humor that could weather any storm. Their greatest joy came five years later with the birth of their son, Christopher, who would be an immense source of pride for Ernest.

Ernie was known for being the life of the party in his younger years, full of laughter, stories, and a twinkle in his eye that drew people in. He loved fishing, collecting pocket knives, and swapping tales that only grew better with each telling. His sense of humor and warm heart made him unforgettable to anyone who spent time with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Evelyn Hundley, and two brothers, Larry King and Steve Hundley.

Ernie leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Clara Hundley; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Shelley Hundley; and his cherished granddaughter, Lily Hundley, who never failed to bring a smile to his face and joy to his heart.  He is also survived by his siblings Dale Hundley, Michael (Bo) Hundley, and Patricia Hundley Reddic, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him deeply.

A graveside service to honor Ernest’s life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the New Home Church of Christ Cemetery in Dobson, North Carolina.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Woltz Hospice House for the loving care shown to Ernie and his family during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernest’s memory to Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home.

Though his chair will be empty and his stories will now be told in his memory, Ernie’s laughter, strength, and love will echo through the generations of family who were blessed to call him theirs.

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