Ernest Delgar Butler, affectionately called "Gargie" was born May 20, 1971 in Paterson, NJ to Virginia Ford Butler and the late Ernest Butler. He departed this life on Monday, March 27, 2017 at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

Ernest was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. He was a graduate of Sumter High School Class of 1989. He continued his education at Central Carolina Technical College with a degree in Auto Mechanics. He attended Morris College where he studied Recreational Health.

He was a faithful and active member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Monitor. Ernest was a State Grand Master and Worshipful Master of the Universal Masonic Brotherhood and the Order of the Eastern Star, King Solomon Lodge #8, Sumter, SC.

He was a loving son, brother, father, and uncle. Ernest was a person with a humble and caring spirit. He was a people and animal lover and was known to visit the sick and help anyone in need.

He was a dialysis patient for many years and an inspiration for many other patients.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted mother, Virginia Ford Butler of the home; one daughter, Mya; two sisters, Udetta Ford Chestnut, Wayne, NJ; Melba Butler Ingram, Richland, VA; three uncles, Woodrow (Rose) Ford Jr., James (Shirul) Ford, Sr., Sumter, SC, and Nathaniel Butler all of Sumter, SC; two nieces Natalie (Herman) Lee, Millville, NJ; Quinetta Ingram, Richmond, VA; three nephews, Thaddeus (Diana) Chestnut, Paterson, NJ, John (Waylea) Chestnut, Queens, NY, Joshua (Hadiyah) Ingram, Petersburg, VA and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Butler, maternal grandparents, Woodrow and Geneva Peterson Ford, paternal grandparents, Joe and Anna Butler, one aunt, Jonnie Mae Ford Evans Harrison and Uncle, Herbert Ford.

Public Viewing will be held on Sunday, April 2 from 2-6pm.

Mr. Butler will be placed in the church on Monday, April 3 at 12N for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 1:00pm at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 805 S. Harvin St., Sumter, SC 29150 with Pastor Marion H. Newton, Eulogist and Rev. Ricky Simmons, Officiating.

Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.

Family will be receiving friends at the home, 214 Weatherly Rd., Sumter, SC 29150.