Ernesto "Ernie" Garcia

SGM Ernesto M. Garcia, U.S. Army (Retired), resident of Christian City, passed away June 9, 2019 at the age of 87. Born in Puerto Rico in 1931, he moved to New York City in his early teens, enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sworn in the day after his 18th birthday. He served almost 30 years, including two tours in Korea, one each in Vietnam and Germany, and various stateside stations. Highly regarded by his superiors and respected by his peers and subordinates, he was known as a soldier’s soldier. He received numerous commendations and awards, to include The Legion of Merit and The Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service. He married Shirley Sims of Clay County, Alabama in 1957 and they raised three loving daughters. He was extremely proud of each of his girls. He loved his family, always taking special care to remember birthdays and special occasions of each child, grandchild and great grandchild. His love for and knowledge of baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves, was legendary. He was a lifelong reader and completed crossword puzzles in ink. He was also noted for his badminton and croquet skills, was an avid bowler, and loved to dance (the jitterbug was a favorite). He retired to Tampa, FL in 1978, later relocated to Columbus, GA where he lived for over 20 years, and recently moved to Christian City. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Sims Garcia; mother, Edelmira Garcia, father, Ernesto Borrero, and sister, Miriam Rodriguez. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Steve) Roush of Mountain City, TN, Rita (Donny) Thomas of Fairburn, GA, Gina (Scott) Winslett of Douglasville, GA; sister, Luz Garcia of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Dana (Mark) Ward of Mountain City, TN, Michael (Rachel) Roush of Hopkins, SC, Joseph Winslett, Katie Winslett, Jacob Winslett, Carmen Winslett of Douglasville, GA; great-grandchildren, Mark Ward, Ryder Toadvine, Natalie Ward, Roxanna Winslett; nephew, Bartolo Ramirez of Tampa, FL, who was like a brother; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 3 o’clock at the Chapel of Parrott Funeral Home with Rev. Evan Hill and Rev. Donny Thomas officiating. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com. He was faithful to generously support many diverse charities. You may choose in lieu of flowers to donate to your favorite charity. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 2:00 until the time of service at Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory, 770-964-4800.

Ernesto "Ernie" Garcia

October 13, 1931 - June 9, 2019