Ernest Payne

Ernest Payne was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 29,1957. He peacefully transitioned from labor to his eternal rest on September 18, 2023.

Ernest, affectionately known as Ernie, received his early education from Sarah School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later the family relocated to New Castle, Delaware where he attended Del-A-Warr High School where he took up general studies and later graduated from Howard Center in 1975 majoring in pipe fitting technology.

Ernie had an outgoing personality and made friends easily. After moving to New Castle, Delaware, he became great friends with Roger Wilson, Greg Gibson and many other people around the neighborhood. He earned the nickname Big Ernie. Big Ernie was introduced by his friends to Rosetta Manlove. They fell in love and birthed a son named Ernest Manlove.

Big Ernie was an amazing father, loving grandfather and a great provider for his family. In his youth he enjoyed riding his motor bike and showing off his motorcycle skills. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, swimming, and shooting pool. Later in his life, he enjoyed construction, plumbing and working on home projects, family outings, traveling and vacating in Europe.

He began his career working many years for the Sun Ship Dry Dock and Company where he began an apprenticeship to be a journeyman pipefitter. With this education and experience, he worked for various Engineering companies and later retired at Brown and Root Industrial Engineering Management at DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware.

He was introduced to Christ at an early age and over the years, he attended several churches. He like to read and listen to the Word of God. His favorite bible scriptures were Psalm 23 and Psalm 27.

Ernie was preceded in death by his father, William R. Payne. He leaves to cherish his memory to his only son, Ernest Manlove, Mother, Delores Payne, Brother; William G. Payne. Sister, Doreen Payne,7 grandchildren, Iracena Manlove, Ariana Manlove, Andreo Manlove, Dariyon William, Jaiden Lytch, Kyaire Manlove, Isaiah Gardner and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday September 30, 2023 at 1:30pm from Community Presbyterian Church 519 Rogers Road, New Castle, DE 19720