MNCM Ernest S. USN RET Hildreth

MORVEN - MNCM Ernest S. Hildreth (USN RET), 81, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Funeral services will be 3:00pm Saturday, January 14, 2012 in the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home, Wadesboro with Rev. Stephen Shytle and Rev. Ray O'Ferrell officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery in Morven. The family will greet friends Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home. Ernest was born January 16, 1930 in Anson County, NC a son of the late Julius Seabern and Sarah Margie Broadaway Hildreth. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, retiring after 22 years of service with the rank of Master Chief Mine Warfare Instructor. Following his naval retirement, he enjoyed working as an agriculture instructor for Anson Technical College, for the bowling alley in Monroe and most of all being a farmer. He was an avid farmer, gardener and bowler. A devoted husband to Myrtle Lee Gaddy Hildreth for 49 years, she preceded him in death May 17, 2000. He was also a loving father, grandfather and brother. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Chris Shumaker of Concord; his grandchildren, Jason Maness (Shelley) of Morven, Melissa Maness (Daniel Mower) of Peachland and Christopher Shumaker (Krissy Karr) of Concord; and his great-grandchildren, Josie Maness and David Furr. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Clayton Hildreth of Monroe, Laura Pope, Virginia McSwain and Linda Hildreth all of Polkton, Thelma Carpenter of York, SC and Jewel Deese of Rockingham and his sister-in-law, Emma Jean Lowery of Lake Tillery and his nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Coy, Harrell and Sylvia Hildreth and Mildred Johnson. Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, % Mrs. Lib Tucker, 1338 Mayesville Rd., Morven, NC 28119.