Ernest Blanton Koone

Ernest Blanton Koone
Feb 5, 1937-May 19, 2022

In Memoriam of Father

I can tell a million stories to show
I knew the real you.
I can list a bunch of adjectives and adverbs
To try to describe you.
But even that wouldn’t do.

I could post my favorite photo to show
Your love and grace,
Kindness and generosity
Written easily all over your face.
But somehow even that feels displaced.

Instead, I’ll ask everyone to think of you
When the winds blows across their face.
To let others go first and show empathy and grace.
Remember the qualities that set you apart.
Act on them and love from all your heart.
This will be a living eulogy
For all of us to impart.


Ernest Blanton Koone was born on Feb 5, 1937, on a farm, in Rutherford County. His family moved to Spencer, and Ernest graduated from Spencer High School in 1955. He attended Catawba College for one year before enlisting in the army. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. He had tactical training in the Mojave Desert and was an incredibly skilled marksman. Returning to Spencer after his active service, he met Robbie Lineberger and they wed on September 2, 1965. They moved to Mount Holly where Ernest worked for Duke Power at Riverbend Steam Station for 39 years. Ernest and Robbie had 3 children: Elizabeth, Susan, and David. His family attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mount Holly and he volunteered for many years at the church. Ernest loved being outside in nature, reading books especially about history, playing with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His gentle nature and loving soul would be there to help anyone.

He is survived by his three children: Elizabeth and Chris Smith, Susan Browning, David and Dawn Koone. His sister Margaret Murphy and sister-in-law Peggy Koone. His grandchildren: Brent and KC Jones, Zachary Smith, Jacob Browning, Tori and Cody Blythe, Anthony and Josh Starnes. His great grandchildren: Kamden Jones, Braxton, Briar, and Beckett Blythe, Rosalee, Lee, and Franklin Starnes. His nephew Andrew and Jenna Koone and their daughter Alexandria Koone. Grandniece Kerry Price and Dan Price with their four children. Grandnephew Grant and Erika Stanley with their son.

He is preceded in death by his wife Robbie Koone, parents Weldon and Helen Koone, brother Walter Koone, niece Janice Stanley, and brother-in-law Phil Murphy.

A graveside service will be held on June 3, 2022 at 1PM. Reverend Dan Duke will officiate at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Salisbury, NC.

Donations can be made in his honor to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region. Ernest and his family received sustaining support and compassionate care from the nurses and staff.

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