Ernest L. "Ernie" Fordham

Ernest Lamar Fordham Jr., February 13, 1943 - October 18, 2024.  Ernest Lamar Fordham Jr., Ernie, was born in 1943 at Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia, to Ernest and Betty George Fordham. Raised in Albany and Fitzgerald, Georgia, Ernie was the pride and joy of his grandparents, Lillian "Big Mama" and Clarence Emory "Big Daddy" George, who helped shape his early years.

Ernie's father returned from WWII when Ernie was almost three years old, having served as a mechanic for the Flying Tigers. Ernie spent his childhood learning to hunt and fish from his grandfather while his grandmother doted on him.  After his father's railroad job was transferred to Fitzgerald, Georgia, in 1952, he attended primary school and Fitzgerald High School where he was a member of the track team and played the trumpet with the band. Ernie didn't always have a zest for schooling in those days, and his sister Nancy remembers their mother pouring water on him to wake him up and get to school on time.

After the family returned to Albany, Ga, he attended and graduated from Albany High School in 1961. In his senior year, he set the Georgia High School Association High Jump record at 6 feet, 3/4 inches.  A quote from a newspaper article about him said, "He stared so long at the bar, spectators thought he was hypnotized by it. "In adulthood, Ernie served as a Sergeant and Counterintelligence Instructor in the Army at Ft. Holabird, Baltimore, MD.  There he met his lifelong friend Jim Hinz.  He received the National Defense Service Medal in marksmanship, he specialized in intelligence photography and served on the Field Training Exercise Committee during the Vietnam War.

  While living in Atlanta, Ga in the early 1970s, he met his future wife, Joan, at a party at his bachelor pad. His famous pickup line to her was, "If we get married, we can share pants." They were married soon afterwards and welcomed two children, Meredith and Christopher Fordham. Ernie adored his wife and subscribed to the "Acts of Service" love language. She loved him for his brilliance and humor.  After his daughter Meredith was born, he received his degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Technical Institute, a technical institute program of Georgia Institute of Technology. He was a dedicated Georgia Tech football fan. He often said, "I'm a fan of Georgia Tech - and whatever team is playing against the University of Georgia." - much to the groaning of his UGA-loving siblings.

Ernie adored his family and provided a wonderful experience for his children. They attended St. Teresa's Catholic School and Deerfield Windsor School in Albany, Ga. During this time, Ernie got to "pay it forward" by waking his children up, not with cold water but by singing loudly. Ernie and Joan prioritized their education and sports experiences, supporting years of athletics through coaching, being fans, cheering, and more—from tee-ball to collegiate basketball and baseball. They sacrificed much of their time and any personal extravagance for the betterment of their children and to provide them with a solid foundation to become adults. 

He worked professionally as an electrical engineer, as well as in commercial electrical supplies sales and engineering staffing management.  Ernie was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting with his son and close friends in various locations and, in recent years, Eastman, Georgia. He also enjoyed reading, specifically science fiction and action fiction books. Ernie was also known for his humor, whether observational, prankster or just cutting up. He enjoyed dancing, including the occasional "buck dancing" display for a party crowd.  Ernie was always full of surprises. He served as the surprise officiant at his daughter Meredith's wedding. Ernie also served a stint as a barbecue judge. 

In 2012, he converted to Catholicism in tribute to his son, Christopher.  Later in life, Ernie and Joan moved to Jacksonville, FL, to be closer to their beloved daughter Meredith. They have enjoyed the "Florida Life"—good food, good weather, and walks on the beach. He was particularly grateful for time with his granddaughter, Emma.  Thanks to 23andMe, Ernie discovered the unexpected joy of connecting with twin daughters M'Joyce and Michelle and their families, whom he hadn't known about earlier in life. These new bonds brought additional love and fulfillment to his already rich and cherished life as he welcomed them with open arms into his family. 

Ernie was adored by his friends, who spanned from his single Atlanta days until his last days. He was friendly and kind and always up for a good chat. Ernie was always there as a friend.  Ernie is survived by his devoted wife of 49 and a half years, Joan of Jacksonville, FL; loving children Meredith Fordham Hughes (Stephen) of DeBary, FL, M'Joyce Kasberg of Kerrville, TX, and Michelle Erickson (Steve) of Kerrville, TX.  He is predeceased by his son, Christopher; his father, Ernest; his mother, Betty; his sisters-in-law, Sue and Mary Lupinacci; his brother-in-law, Marvin Cauley; Aunts, Frances Evans and Gladys Sanders; and Uncles, "Bud" George, Kenneth Fordham, George Fordham, and Daniel Fordham.

He is survived by grandchildren, Emma Fordham, Brittany Beatty, Sydney Kasberg, Ben Kasberg, Travis Erickson, McKenna Erickson, and chosen granddaughter, Eden Trager; Siblings, Nancy Paschal (Tommy), Linda Cauley, and Mike (Becky); Brothers-in-law, George and Mark Lupinacci; Nieces and Nephews, Steve Lupinacci (Brooke), Sharon Kramer (Glen), Hill Paschal (Cody Stewart), Katie Funderburk (Jay), Baily Fordham, Grant Fordham; Aunt, Ann Smith and many cousins.

The family welcomes friends and family for a celebration of life on November 9, 2024, at St. Teresa's Parish Hall in Albany, Ga, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A private graveside interment will be held separately. In Ernie's name, donations instead of flowers are requested for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/).