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Ernest Holbrook Obituary
HOLBROOK, 82
PLANT CITY - Rev. Ernest E. Holbrook, age 82, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2011, of heart failure.
He was born on March 8, 1929 in Plant City, Florida. A retired pastor, Rev. Holbrook was also an evangelist, radio minister, and an author. He pastored more than 44 years at four different churches, and founded Faith Temple Assembly of God in Plant City, pastoring there for 27 years. His radio program, "Temple Vespers," spanned most of those years on WPLA, WCIE, and WTWB.
He is survived by his wife, Junell Player Holbrook, three daughters, Sandra Waldron of Plant City, Sharon Franklin and Phyllis Conner, both of Lakeland, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 26th, 6 - 8pm at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road. The funeral will be held Friday, May 27th at 11 am, also at the church. Internment will follow at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City. Condolences may be made at hopewellfuneral.com. If you prefer, in lieu of flowers you may make a memorial donation in Rev. Holbrook's name to OneHope (formerly Books of Hope) at www.onehope.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Holbrook
Billy Payne
May 18, 2023
We miss you Ernest.
Hannah Franklin
May 28, 2011
I miss you so much Gradaddy!
Ritch Wilson
May 27, 2011
Rev. Holbrook gave me much encouragement at a young age. He is with God and the Angels for which he lived for. Thank You Rev. Holbrook.
'Ritch' Wilson of The Tribunes.
LeRoy & Lisa Mendel
May 27, 2011
Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss. I've never met your dad in person , but when I see the way you love the Lord I know that I've met Ernest Holbrook.
Bruce Holbrook
May 27, 2011
Junell, Sandra, Sharon and Phyllis
Ernest walked the walk, lived a Christ like life, always caring and thinking of others. I'll always remember the get aways at Lake Pierce and all the fishing trips. The home made ice cream get-to-togethers. Although we miss Reverend Holbrook, he is in a much better place.
Chris & Kimberly Cook
May 26, 2011
Junell, we are so sorry. Ernest was a dear, loving man. Many lives were changed by his ministry and his books. He will be missed very much. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
May 26, 2011
A true man of God has gone to meet the Lord. Brother Ernest was a blessing to our family for many, many years. May God be with this family in their time of sorrow.
The Glisson Family
Jim Cameron
May 26, 2011
Sister Holbrook and family a great man is with God the Father. He is doing his heavenly radio broadcast and getting ready to play his steel guitar with the heavenly choir. Yuvonne and I send I deepest reguards to the entire family. He will be greatly missed here on earth but greately appreciated in Heaven.
Bill & Sherrie Long
May 26, 2011
Bro. Holbrook was such an inspiration to so many throughout his life. We are deeply sadden by the loss of his earthly body but it is comforting to know that the legacy he leaves behind will live for generations to come. Our prayers are with his family...he will be truly missed!
Teiauna Nettles
May 26, 2011
Uncle Ernest will be missed by a great many, his influence was far reaching. He was a wonderful man of God.
May 26, 2011
Aunt Junell, You have been in our prayers. We will miss Uncle Ernest greatly. The best thought is to know he is in a better place and we will see him again one day. May 20th will always be a day I will remember that the angels sang on high when they welcomed a great man home. Love Pam and Herbert
Jan Moore
May 25, 2011
Dear Junell and family, All of you are so dear to us! We had such wonderful times with you at the Payne reunions over the years! Ernest and you singing "Jesus and me" will always stay with us. He lived his life pleasing God. That is what counts. What a reunion! We love ya'll dearly. Jan and Dennis Moore and family
May 25, 2011
Our thoughts are with you
Marjorie and Brady Pyburn
Eldon & Sue Brown
May 25, 2011
Dear Junell,
Ernest is a dear Christian brother and a fine minister of the Gospel. WE will miss him greatly until that grand reunion in the skies. May the Lord comfort your heart in the meantime.
James & Heather Payne
May 25, 2011
Junell,
Jimmy and I wanted you to know that you are in our prayers. Ernest was a wonderful vessel for the Lord. And just a wonderful man. I know that he will be missed. The Payne family reunions won't be the same.
Eddie Butler
May 25, 2011
Sandra, the LORD has received a real hero as far as I am concerned. Your dad came to see both my father and mother and lead them both to the LORD-they were sick and dying with cancer. He came to see them every week and I have always bgveen grateful. I know you will miss him but he is in a wonderful place now with no sorrow.
Eddie Butler-Lakeland, Florida
Billy Payne
May 25, 2011
Dear Junell, Sandra, Sharon, and Phyllis,
As you know, Ernest was my first cousin, and your singing, and his preaching, were an inspiration to our Payne family reunion for many years. Also, Phyllis winning the Payne family golf tournament showed those male cousins that men do not always dominate this event.
Ernest was one of the greatest men that I have ever known. His smiles, sense of humor, and Godly ways, were felt by everybody who knew him. All of this was transcribed into the books that he wrote.
We will all miss Ernest, but we know that he is with God, and the loved ones who have gone on.
Frances Lee
May 24, 2011
Pastor Holbrook was a hero to our family! He always came to visit my grandparents at Christmas time, and his prayers always meant so much to us. He is the reason my mom gave her heart to the Lord before I was born, and I am so thankful for that! I remember lying in bed listening to his radio program when I was a child. I recently enjoyed his book about The Country Parson, and shared many of the stories with my own children. I'm glad he was part of my life. He made a difference, and he will be missed!
Kimberly Colley
May 24, 2011
Uncle Ernest, Your Strong values and Godly ways will be deeply missed..Our loss is Heavens gain..Enjoy your heavenly walk with the Lord, you have well deserved it.. Love you and Miss you dearly...Aunt Junell my thoughts and prayers are with you..Love you dearly....Kimberly Colley
Cindy Raburn Genaw
May 24, 2011
Sandra - so sorry to hear about your dad. I offer my deepest condolences to your Mom and your family. I'm sure Daddy, Uncle Billy and Uncle Robert were glad to see him. You will be in my prayers. Cindy
Debbie Schmidt
May 24, 2011
Sharon, so sad to hear about your dad. I know I told you we listened to him every Sunday evening on the radio. I can still hear his infectious laugh. Such a godly man. Our sympathy to you and your family. Bless you all.
Sue Lynn & Raymond Davidson
May 24, 2011
Dearest Aunt Junell & Family,
Our most heart felt Love and condolences are sent to you at this time. What a miracle and Blessing to see you and enjoy your company on May 7th at Tom's. I would not trade that time for anything. I know your heart aches for your life partner and Dad, and as well as mine does for a Dear Uncle. Trust he is where he want's to be, with our Savior on high. He has walked through those pearly gates and walked the streets of pure gold and now sets at the right hand of God the Father. Don't you know they are preaching some kind of serman this day and singing song's of praise. I want you to know I have always Loved your family and held you in my prayer's. Although we have been separated by year's and mile's you all are special to me. Raymond also sends his condolences, he really admired Uncle Ernest and his writings (books). Trust that if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I Love You, Sue Lynn
Gordon Wayne Watts
May 24, 2011
I offer my deepest condolences to your family, Bro. Holbrook - and thank you and your wife Junell for kindly inviting me to visit with you this past December at your house here in Lakeland, shortly before you passed away. -- I appreciate your attention to detail to invite me in, make me feel welcome, and then to sell me the books about which I had inquired, even though it was obviously difficult for you in your condition to get around very much. -- You will be greatly missed. Thank you also for your kind and encouraging words while you were my pastor and my friend, and I wish you a peaceful journey home, as you go now to be with our older brother, Jesus.
Gordon Wayne Watts
Lakeland, Fla.
Tom Vann
May 24, 2011
Ernest Holbrook was a real credit to his nation and to our God. God Bless his memory and God Bless his entire family!
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