Ernest Worth McDuffie departed this life on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

Ernest was born on December 5, 1938 in Selma, NC. He was educated in the Johnson County Public School System and graduated from Richard B Harrison High School. Ernest joined the United States Navy in 1959 and became an expert in the field of HVAC. After separating under honorable conditions from the Navy, he went on to work as a civilian for the Navy Warfare Center and C.I.A before retiring in 2005.

In 1965, Ernest met his wife Hattie. They married and raised four children, Janice, Nicole, Eugenia, and Anthony.  Ernest and Hattie later raised two of their grandchildren, Monquell and Dontrell, when their daughter Eugenia went home to be with the Lord. Ernest was a dedicated and devoted family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family and passing on knowledge to his grandchildren.

In 1989, Ernest became a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Washington, DC.  He gave his life to Christ and was baptized.  He was a Trustee and a member of the Audio Visual team at the church. Ernest enjoyed attending church services and using his gifts to further God's kingdom. Even while he was ill, he regularly prayed, tithed, and took part in communion.

He was a member of the W. Bruce Evans Lodge 380 in Fairmont Heights, Maryland. Ernest served as the Exalted Ruler (E.R.) for several years. He earned the titles Past Exalted Ruler (P.E.R.) and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler (D.D.G.E.R) of Maryland. He also served as Past Exalted Ruler (P.E.R.) of the W.S. Crouse Counsel Number 59, an Athletic Department member, and the Financial Secretary for the Tri-State Association in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Ernest volunteered and participated in various charitable events for many years. He built friendships and long lasting relationships with other lodge members. Ernest also enjoyed reading the newspaper daily, spending time with his brothers, and watching sports. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers (when they were on their run), and Lebron James! Every so often he would ask about the Carolina Panthers!

He was preceded in death by; his father, James McDuffie; mother Eugenia McDuffie; sisters Betty Moore, Marie McDuffie, Clara McDuffie, and Johnnie Mae Howell; brother William McDuffie; and daughter Eugenia Parson.