In loving memory of
William Earnest

May 04, 1942

-

February 18, 2022

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Obituary

William (Bill) Charles Earnest passed away February 18, 2022. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1942 to his late parents Donald and Lucy Earnest. He was raised in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Since childhood, Bill attended the same church as Mary Earnest (Masco), his future bride and love of his life since age 15.

After high school he attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics graduating in May of 1962 and was hired by Mohawk Airlines as a mechanic. September 29 of the same year, he wed Mary beginning nearly 60 years of marriage. Bill is survived by his wife Mary, younger brother Ralph and their three sons, David (Darla), Timothy (Kimberly), and Joesph (Sarah), and 5 grandchildren Danielle, Joshua, Devan, Rachel, and Rebekah, and one great grandchild Layla. Bill was preceded in death by his granddaughter Sarah.

Bill worked for one airline through multiple name changes, the eventual US Airways, for 50 and a half years. Once when Bill was asked to describe himself he replied, “I am a mechanic, I fix things.” And he rarely encountered something that he could not fix. He was actively involved in church ministries and leadership his entire life. Bill loved the Lord, his wife, and his family. He will be sorely missed by all.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or William and Mary’s church, Immanuel Presbyterian Church

Service will be 02/25/2022 @ 10:30 am at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, located at, 811 Orange Camp Road, Deland, Fl 32724 – 386-738-1811

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Paul J Choleva says:

26 Apr 2022

Mr. Bill Earnest was a great and loving friend. Bill was also a great spiritual mentor always reminding me where to keep my life focused on Christ. I over seen US Air for 18 years, but Bill kept better tabs on me. It was a great honor submitting Bill for his 50 year Charles Award and then presenting it to him. I will see you again my friend. My prayers are with the whole Earnest family.
In Christ, Paul J Choleva
Brad Holley says:

26 Apr 2022

Never have I ever met a finer man in all my years on this earth than my friend and coworker “Sweet Ole Bill” Earnest!
God bless the man I knew!
Prayers to his family!
Paul J Choleva posted an image:

26 Apr 2022

Mr. Bill Earnest accepting his Charles Taylor Award.
Paul J Choleva posted an image:

26 Apr 2022

Mr. Bill Earnest, Mr. Brad Holly and (FAA) Paul J Choleva
Rose Mays says:

25 Apr 2022

I had the privilege to work with Bill, he loved God , his family and being a mechanic. He signed lots of logbooks!
Prayers to his family, I know he is working firsthand for theLord now.
Barbara Scott lit a candle:

25 Feb 2022
Barbara (Earnest) Scott says:

25 Feb 2022

I have many fond memories of my cousin Bill.
When the family lived in Bridgeville, PA, and we were kids, we would visit Uncle Donnie, Aunt Lucy and Billy and Ralph. Our parents would play cards and us kids would play together in their yard. Most recently we were all able to get together several times in Florida with Bill, Mary and Ralph. We have kept in close touch through emails, letters, and phone calls.
Bill was a very good man and I know he is happy in heaven now. Love you, Bill!! Barbara Ann
Barbara Scott posted an image:

25 Feb 2022

Barbara Ann, Billy, Jean, and Ralph as kids
Tim and Pamela Yoko says:

25 Feb 2022

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."- Psalms 116:15 (ESV)

Mary, David, Tim and Joe, and all members of the Earnest family,

We lift you up in prayer this day. We are deeply sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Bill is rejoicing this day in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Love you all.
Joseph Earnest posted an image:

22 Feb 2022

USAir, Boeing 737...this is the airplane Bill most often worked on during his career as a terminal gate mechanic in Pittsburgh, then Tampa.
Jean Klein lit a candle:

22 Feb 2022
Jean Klein says:

22 Feb 2022

The photo of Bill & Ralph & parents was taken at Christmas at my grandma's house. I remember Bill and all the cousins at grandma's for Christmas, we sat at the kid's table for a wonderful dinner I especially remember the sausage stuffing, and the jello salad. After dinner we went into the living room and opened presents, sang Christmas Carols with Aunt Elinor playing the piano, and then played the game "button, button, who has the button, with the adults also playing. I am sure our faces gave away who had the button, but the adults were kind and never guessed too quickly. I have fond memories of my cousins and the Christmas times we spent together. Bill was the preacher of the family, and he always remembered Aunt Elinor, even visiting her when she was in the nursing home in Pgh. I will miss him. Sadly I realized that Bill passed away on the same day as his father, my Uncle Donnie. My deepest sympathy to Mary and the family.
Joseph Earnest says:

22 Feb 2022

My father. The example- well, 2nd to the Ultimate Example. Bill has studied and lived his life as close to the User Manual as humanly possible. My father followed the directions of our Lord through His Holy Word; then Bill, the example, the mechanic, son, brother, lover & husband, ultimate loving father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, friend, set about to wear each role with a loving purpose for us all to follow his lead... if it needed fixing, he set out through his example with passion and love. I can not even begin to attempt to start a list of the examples I've tried to follow in my father's loving footsteps- no notebook or scratchpad could contain the full contents... and I, in my daily walks of life, continue to realize and learn from my father the example, and I know I will through my days. Whether in his firm loving hand in parental guidance or his unique sense of humor, there is meaning of example. If I fall short, I can realize that that if I use his 'blueprint', it is not of failure. I will forever remain a son and student of my father. His example will continue to touch each of us as he has moved into his new role. Thanks Dad. I love you, Joe.
Amy Wallace says:

21 Feb 2022

I remember you being kind, funny, intelligent and so loving to Mrs. Ernest. May you now rest in eternal paradise. Blessings to Mrs. Ernest and family.
Joseph Earnest posted an image:

21 Feb 2022

BILL AND MARY'S WEDDING
Joseph Earnest posted an image:

21 Feb 2022

Donald and Lucy Earnest, with Ralph and Bill.
Joseph Earnest posted an image:

21 Feb 2022

Donald and Lucy Earnest with Ralph and Bill.
Ralph Earnest says:

21 Feb 2022

As my big brother, I have known Bill all my life. He was always there to teach and guide me through my life. I have so many good memories of him from childhood and throughout his marriage to Mary and his family. I shall miss him and I will always love him.
Ralph Earnest lit a candle:

21 Feb 2022
Lois Webb says:

21 Feb 2022

Bill has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. First as an older (than me) church member, then big sister’s boyfriend and eventually brother in law. He always treated me like the little sister he never had. I always knew he had my back and loved me. Our family has a hole that will only be filled when we’re reunited in heaven. Bill so looked forward to being with Jesus.