For eighty-six years the Lord rewarded Ernest Green with a gracious and blessed life. His journey began in Bartow, FL on the tenth day of April, 1928, when Willie and Susie Foreman Green were blessed with the birth of a third son. His parents were so proud of him they named him Ernest which means seriousness, fair-minded, wise and peace loving. Ernest enjoyed his upbringing and family life with six other siblings, Annie Mae, Jessie, Willie, Louvenia, Willa Mae, & Odessa.

At an early age he was given the nick name "Pap Green", today family and friends affectionately know him as "Deacon Green". His humble roots and understanding of people created a positive approach to life as he influence leadership qualities in others.

He received his education at Union Academy High School in Bartow, FL. At a young age he established a personal relationship with God and spiritually connected with his family church, Mount Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church. In the early 40's he decided to take a walk of faith and joined Burkett Chapple Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder S. P. Kilpatrick.

Indeed his life was a grandiose voyage of outstanding achievements, exceptional commitments with his church, family and community. His first Christian experience at Burkett Chapple was to join Choir # 1 where he enjoyed ministering to the soul of many and setting uplifting examples for others to follow. His Christian journey included: Ward Leader, Training Union Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board (twice), Youth Leadership Advisor and served on Trustee Board. Deacon Green was well known in East Florida District Primitive Baptist Association, Inc., as well as Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention, Inc. and the National Primitive Baptist Convention of the U.S.A.

Deacon Green spearheaded many church renovation projects, chaired the Pastor Search Committee, worked with the Food & Clothing Ministry and chaired countless church programs and projects at Burkett Chapple Primitive Baptist Church. The spiritual leadership of Deacon Green encouraged the Burkett Chapple Family to always stay together. Deacon Green's last visit to Burkett Chapple was to witness the installation of Elder Marcus D. Floyd on April 6, 2014 as its Pastor.

As a tribute to his dedication of working for the Lord, a Cornerstone located in front of Burkett Chapple Primitive Baptist Church register Deacon Ernest Green as a Trustee in 1952 when the church was rebuilt. His footprints inside the church reflect the name Deacon Ernest Green and Family inscribed on a pew donated to the church. On July 22, 2007 the Burkett Chapple Family named the Deacon Ernest Green, Sr. Solid Rock Fellowship Hall, in honor of Deacon Ernest and Mother Bernice Green.

Deacon Green and his lovely wife, Mother Bernice Jennings Green celebrated 54 years of marriage on March 29, 2014. He was a wonderful and loyal husband and father. He took great delight in arranging travel excursions with his family. His favorite pastime was fishing, reading the bible, singing hymns and working on various projects around this home. Deacon Green served as the patriarch of the Green Family for years.

Deacon Green has continued his journey as a servant in his community. Deacon Green served on the City of Bartow Building & Housing Board, The Union Academy Grand Reunion Committee and Past President of Seniors on the Move. Deacon Green had a special gift to communicate with the youth. The neighborhood kids loved him and always greeted him with a smile after a hard days work. He was known for rewarding the neighborhood kids daily with treats such as candy and cookies. His community work also included a transportation ministry, as he provided free rides to church and other Christian events.

Mr. Green was a licensed Residential Contractor and the former president of Ernest Green and Sons Construction Company. After working for Mobil Chemical Corporation for 43 years, Deacon Ernest Green retired to enjoy his family, church and friends.

His journey ended on Saturday, September 27, 2014 after his transition from earth to a home not built by hands, as he entered the Pearly Gates. Always remembered and never forgotten Deacon Green's last journal entry lovingly remembers the death of his parents, Willie and Susie Foreman Green, his son, Adrian, four siblings, Annie Mae Green, Jessie Green, Willie Green , Louvenia G. Wearing and two Great Grandson Derrick Mikell, Jr. and Elijah Green.

His journal includes cherished memories of his loving and caring wife Mother Bernice Jennings Green. Children Ernest, Jr. (Dr. Vivian), Green Fort Walton Beach, FL, Earnestine G. Davis, Bartow, FL, Evangelist Jeanette Green, Lakeland, FL, Rev. Laroman (Natalie) Green, Milpitas, CA, Hiram (Freda) Green, Tampa, FL and Gerald (Stephanie) Green, Coral Springs, FL. Daughter-in Law Gloria White, Tampa, FL. Grandchildren Ernest ( Alexandra) Green, III, Terelle Green, Brooksey Davis, Christopher Davis, Jaimie Davis, Gregory Mikell, Jr., Derrick Mikell, Monica Mikell, Chauncey(Jeanette) Green, Vanessa Green, Dawn Ogundele, Brandon Green, Christian Green, Makayla Green and Breanna Green; Great-Grandchildren Issac Green, Island Cherry, Kaliya Davis, Gregory Mikell, III, Zakiya Mikell, Adasha Mikell, Jaelyn Northern, Purvis Adamson, III and Ernest Young. Sisters; Willa Mae Hazelton, Stuart, FL & Odessa (Caphas) Floyd Bartow, FL. Brother in Laws Van (Jennie) Jennings Bartow, Oliver (Henrietta) Jennings, Nichols. FL; God Children Berry Allen, Jr. of Winter Haven, Sylvester Henry of Tampa, FL and Sommer Showers-Coy, Cynthia A. Silas and Joyce Bentley of Bartow, FL. God Sister Porcha Byrd; Special Caregivers Gloria Jefferson and Cynthia Carwise of Bartow, FL. He leaves a host of relatives, friends and associates. He was loved by many and will be profoundly missed by family and friends.

Deacon Green has worked hard in the vineyard to assure inclusion in the Lamb's Book of Life. His journey through life was anything but modest or unassuming. In all of his infinite wisdom, he exemplified a lifestyle worthy to be emulated by those who will follow his path. What a glorious journey!

Arrangements are being handled by Gause Funeral Home, 625 S. Holland
Parkway, Bartow, FL. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, October 3, 2014 at Burkett Chappel Primitive Baptist Church, 415--3rd Avenue, Bartow, FL.

Funeral service will be at First Assembly of God, 915 S.
Broadway Avenue Bartow, FL at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 4, 2014.
Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow, FL.