Mr. Ernest L. Harris, Jr., 75, entered eternal rest, surrounded by loved ones at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, Virginia.

Ernest was educated in the Petersburg Public School System. During his early years, he held various jobs in Petersburg before relocating to Houston, Texas, where he resided for over 30 years. He later retired from Certex USA in Houston, Texas.

After returning to Virginia, Ernest was blessed to reconnect with his children, grandchildren, and other loved ones. His beloved daughter, Tracey, cared for him for several years, with the help and support of her mother, Gladys Spain. As his health declined, Ernest later made his home at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where he continued to receive care and support.

Ernest appreciated the simple joys that made life special. He cherished spending time with family, welcoming visits from old friends, and sharing laughter and memories with those he loved. He especially looked forward to his special chicken dinners with his beloved nephew, Vincent Harris. Ernest was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and remained loyal to his team through every season, win or lose. These treasured moments, along with his humor, personality, and love for his family, will forever be held dear.

Ernest was preceded in death by his grandparents, Deacon Byron, Sr., and Louvinia T. Washington; parents, Anna Harris and Ernest Harris, Sr.; his sisters, Mildred Lewis and Ernestine Harris; and his brothers, George Washington and Gregory Harris.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory: his daughters, Tracey "BayBay" Spain of Virginia and Ernestine Pennington of Texas; his sons, Ernest Harris of Virginia and Ernest "Hotshot" Hopkins (Sandria) of Florida; and his 13 grandchildren, Teona Preston (Fabian), Calvin Spain, Sr. (Storie), and Quinton Spain, Sr. all of Virginia, Deante Hopkins, Jamisha Kemp, Shawnise Gordon, Lovely Hopkins and Laneal Hopkins all of Florida, Yakirha Harris Harris of Virginia and four who reside in Texas. He also leaves 11 great-grandchildren and two beloved aunts, Mildred of Baltimore, Maryland, and Paulette (Johnny Ray) of Petersburg, Virginia; numerous neices, nephews, cousins, other relatives and cherished friends in Virginia and Texas, including Raffitt Odom of Houston, Texas, will continue to honor his memory and carry his legacy in their hearts.

Ernest's life was filled with moments of love, laughter, family, friendship, and memories that will never be forgotten. Although he has departed this earthly life, the love he shared and the lives he touched will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

As we say farewell, we find comfort in knowing that Ernest is no longer suffering and has returned home to be reunited with his beloved mother, father, and siblings who went before him.

Rest peacefully, Ernest.

Your journey is complete, your work is done, and your memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved you.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Vincent Harris, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6123780?fl=so&fe=fs