Ernest C. Brownell

Ernest Charles Brownell passed away early Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at home in Temple, Georgia. He was 86 years old. Ern, as he was known, became the second child born to Charles Wilson Brownell and Dorothy Mildred Wilde Brownell Pryzybla on March 23, 1932 in New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts.  At a young age, Ern’s parents divorced and he began helping provide for the family often delivering groceries or helping his uncle with his milk deliveries. Never a good student, Ern dropped out in the 5th grade. However, he later received his GED and attended a vocational school.  Not having a plan for his future, Ern went with his friends when they were joining the army. Navy was Ern’s first choice but he ended up enlisting in the United States Air Force instead. While in San Antonio, Texas for basic training he was sent to Greenville, South Carolina due to overcrowding in Texas. That move would forever change Ern’s life as he met his wife, Ora Fern Davenport who preceded him in death. They were married August 10, 1951 in Piedmont, South Carolina.  Upon retiring from the Air Force, Ern moved his family to Sebring, Florida where he worked as a postal carrier.  Ern loved music and dancing, whistling just about everywhere he went. Ern loved the outdoors spending time playing golf and going fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and painting.  Ern is survived by his sister: Louise M. Robinson of New Bedford, MA, brother: Walter W. Brownell of Tokyo, Japan; sister-in-law: Janice (the late William) Presby of St. Cloud, FL; sons: Gary L. (Lucinda) Brownell of Hutto, TX, Donald G. (Janice) Brownell of Avon Park, FL and Glenn E. (R. Michael Clanton) Brownell of Temple, GA; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 9:00 am-10:00 am at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Sebring, FL with graveside service following at 11:00 am at Bougainvillea Cemetery in Avon Park, FL.

Services entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870

Online condolences may be left at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com