Ernest Chittick Jr.

Ernest Chittick Jr. “Ernie” passed away at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Ark., after a brief battle with cancer. He faced the challenge with a stoic demeanor, and enjoyed visits from family and friends while maintaining his cheerful attitude. Ernie was born on November 26, 1929 in Pontiac, Mich., to Ernest and Harriett Chittick.

Ernie lived in Holly, Mich., and was employed for 38 years as a tool & die maker at GM in Grand Blanc, Mich., until his retirement in 1985. He moved to Rector, which was the hometown of his wife, Dorothy “Doodle or Dood”. When visiting relatives there one Christmas they found a house she had always loved was for sale. He made an offer on it and soon they were on their way to Arkansas for the next chapter of their lives. They were married for 43 years until her death in 2012.

He enjoyed reading and the outdoors, traveling, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, yard work and gardening. He visited every state in the US, with the last being Alaska with a cruise/land trip with his son Steve. He always had a beautiful yard and garden and enjoyed sharing tomatoes with his friends and neighbors. He had a vacation home when he lived in Michigan in Tawas on Lake Huron where he fished for perch for many years. He enjoyed going to deer hunting camp in the UP at LaBranche, Mich. His father hunted there with family, friends and he continued the tradition with the next generation and his son Steve and grandson Chase. He continued to drive up from Arkansas for as many years as he was able to Steve’s house in Michigan and together they would drive up to the UP to see their friends Jim Olsen and Denny Johnson and to enjoy the comradery, good times and recall all the wonderful memories made throughout the years.

He and his late wife Dood were dedicated members of Rector First Baptist Church for many years where they made many friends and he volunteered at the food pantry. He was a lifetime Mason with Pontiac Lodge #21.

He is survived by his two sons: Michael (Wanda) Chittick, and Stephen (Julie) Chittick. Grandchildren: Christopher (Julia) Chittick, Robert Chittick, Chelsea (Shawn) Debo, Chase Chittick, Jennifer (Michael) Garcia, Jill (Jason) Freeman and Mark (Courtney) Lamb; 12 great-grandchildren and soon to be 14 with twin girls on the way. He is also survived by his companion and close friend Jean Barnes who was a tremendous help to him in his last years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife: Dorothy (Polk) Chittick; sister Beverly Reiche; nephew Eric Reiche, and stepson, Donald Lamb.

Visitation was held from to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the First Baptist Church and the service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2023, at the First Baptist Church. Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Rector or to the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House.