Mr . Ernest Daniel Cummings , Sr . , affectionately known as Ernie , was born on June 17 , 1942 to the late Pastor Willie Cummings and Eva Mae White - Cummings in Bamberg , South Carolina .

At an early age , Ernie was baptized by his father , gave himself to the Lord , and became a life long member of Free Gift Baptist Church . He attended Bamberg County Public Schools where he graduated from Richard Carroll High School in 1960 . Shortly after , he followed his elder siblings and relocated to Long Beach , New York where he started his career as an auto mechanic . This experience quickly developed into the entrepreneurial business of " Rushing & Cummings Flying A Station " which serviced the community of Island Park , NY . His interest was not just confined to business , rather he had many talents that were admired by all . He was one of the founding members of the " Harmonizer Six " Men ' s Choir at Christian Li g ht Missionary Baptist Church in Long Beach , NY . He was an active member of the Masonic Blazing Star Lodge # 76 in Brooklyn , New York and served as the Vice President of the infamous AMEN Brothers .

While still pursuing his dream of owning a business , but not wanting to limit his opportunities , Ernie began a career with the Long Island Railroad as a Train Conductor starting in 1970 . During his tenure , he served as a union rep , employment recruiter , and as a voice advocate to help in the development of seasoned and newly hired employees . In addition , his compassion for serving the community was endless and beyond remarkable . He was often considered the neighborhood mayor . He wore many hats and was a man of many trades .

After successfully retiring in 1996 , he traveled the world , spending quality time with family and friends and always reminding everyone that he was " HAPPILY RETIRED " . Ernie was loved by all and welcomed wherever he went because of his infectious smile , ea sy going demeanor , magnetic appeal and his knack for telling " corny " jokes and stories .

Ernie was called home by God on Wednesday , July 22 , 2020 , at the age of 78 . He leaves to cherish his memory : his loving and devoted wife , Angela Moore Cummings , New York ; sons, Ernest Cummings , Jr ( Wanda ) who preceded him in death ; Glenn E . Cummings ( Antoinette ) , Georgia , and Shawn Henry ( Shalice ) , New Jersey ; his daughter, Alysia " Tamika " Auxilly ( Zachary ) , Georgia .

Ernie had seven brothers who preceded him in death : Robert Lee , Hosea , Foster , Paul & Silas ( twins ) , James and Jerry; t hree sisters , Jessie Steele and Willie Corley , South Carolina , and Dorothy Canty ( Marvin ) , New York ; ten grandchildren , Larry ( Elisha ) , Desiree , A ' leena , TTne ' , Shanice , Justice , Nirel , Camryn , Zebastian , and Zavior ; and his great grandson , Larrin Williams , Virginia . He also leaves multiple generations of nieces , nephews , cousins , friends and neighbors to mourn his passing .

To all who know Ernie as Son , Pops , Daddy , Grandpa , Pop Pop , Uncle Ernie , Baker , Mr . E , and Mr . C . . . he will be greatly missed !