Ernest "Ernie" Bryson | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Mr. Ernest "Ernie" Cleon Bryson, age 88, a former resident of the Crystal Beach community of Blounts Creek, NC died July 2, 2014 at his home located at 130 Neal Branch Road, Chocowinity.

    A graveside funeral service will be held 11 AM Saturday July 5, 2014 at Warren Memorial Cemetery in Blounts Creek officiated by Billy Winslow and Jessica Sawyer. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Bryson, Brian Bryson, James Kennedy, Ivan Sawyer, Mitchell Thornhill and Bob Brennan.

    The family will receive friends 6 PM to 8 PM Friday July 4, 2014 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington and other times at the home.

    Mr. Ernie was born in Transylvania County, NC on February 7, 1926 son of the late Harold L. Bryson and the late Roxie Elizabeth Galloway Bryson. He served in the US Navy as a motor machinist mate from 1942-1945. His last tour was aboard the USS Midway during Operation Frostbite. Mr. Ernie married the former Frances Inez Moore who preceded him in death on November 3, 1969. He worked as a highly skilled equipment operator with the I.U.O.E. Local # 147 in VA from 1948 to 1968. In 1971 he graduated from Old Dominion University completing his studies in Arbitration and Labor Laws. He then began working as a Union Representative for VA, WVA, NC, SC and MD with his headquarters based out of Washington, D.C. Mr. Ernie's passion was trying to help the "working man" by fighting for them to get higher wages and benefits. He retired in 1987 to his home in Crystal Beach, where he was affectionately known as "The Mayor of Crystal Beach". In the fall of 2013 Mr. Ernie was honored by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local # 147 for being the first member to serve 65 years. He was a member of B.P.O.E. Lodge 82 in Portsmouth, VA for over 50 years. Mr. Ernie proudly referred to himself as a "Die-Hard Democrat and Union Man"

    Survivors include a son: Ronnie Cleon Bryson of Blounts Creek; two daughters: Deborah B. Kennedy of Chocowinity and Sena Bryson Brennan and her husband Bob of Washington; a brother: Harold Bryson of Cherryfield, NC; a step-sister: Juanita Bryson of Sapphire, NC; six grandchildren: Ronnie Brian Bryson and his wife Ann, Angela Thornhill Anderson of Wilson, Jessica Bryson Sawyer and her husband Ivan of Grimesland, Mitchell Eugene Thornhill, Jr. of Chesapeake, VA, Shannon Renee Kennedy of Chocowinity and James Ryan Kennedy of Chocowinity and seven great grandchildren: Haley Alexis Hodges, Hannah Elizabeth Harrell, Paige Nichole Sawyer, Asher Cox Bryson, Ashton Landon Jones, Maui Wade Bryson and Lauren Renee Jones. Mr. Ernie was predeceased by a daughter: Melinda Gail Bryson; his step-mother: Jacquelyn Green Bryson; a brother: Edward Bryson.

    The family would like to thank Alison Cieszko of Vidant Cardiology, Dr. Brous of Vidant Family Care of Chocowinity and Vidant Hospice.

    In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks for memorial contribution to be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 4701 Hedgemore Dr Ste 810 Charlotte, NC 28209-2280.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Mr. Ernie's family.