Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Ernest Stevenson Obituary
Tallahassee - It is with great sadness that the family of Ernest Stevenson, beloved husband, dad, teacher, mentor, and friend, announce his passing following a heart attack on May 3, 2019, at the age of 75 years. Even though he will be greatly missed, his family is content that he is no longer in pain and is enjoying a well-deserved rest in the arms of his beloved Savior.
Ernie graduated from Leon High School (class of '62) before attending Auburn through an NROTC scholarship. He served his country from 1966 to 1970 aboard the USS America and USS Hermitage, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. As a civilian, he taught at Godby High School from 1970 to 1990, coaching football and sponsoring huddles for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In July 1990, he became full-time staff for FCA until August 2018.
In addition to leading multiple Bible studies, teaching Sunday School, and singing bass in the choir, Ernie loved FSU sports, saltwater fishing, and bow hunting. He was a people person with a servant heart whose purpose was to draw others to Jesus. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne (née Stephens), daughter Lisa Blackwell (John), sister Nell Sanders (Chip), brother Henry (Jeannie), brother Jim, six nieces and nephews, and two grandcats.
A visitation will be held from 5 - 7 p.m. on Monday, May 13, at Bevis Funeral Home (200 John Knox Rd, Tallahassee FL 32303), and a memorial service and reception will follow at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, at Thomasville Road Baptist Church (3131 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee FL 32308).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (1382 Timberlane Road, Suite B, Tallahassee FL 32312) or to Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting Mrs. Stevenson with her arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Stevenson
Sponsored by Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee Cremation-Prearrangement Center.
Cynthia Medeiros
July 12, 2023
I wish I'd gone back to see you one more time. I thought you were just my science teacher way back then, until I realized you saw what others didn't and tried to save me from it. Even though you weren't able to, I always appreciated that you tried. I'll never forget you, Coach. Sindy-San.
October 1, 2019
Sorry to hear of the passing of my childhood friend. Even though my family left Tallahassee when I was 6, our families remained friends over the decades and we visited anytime my family returned to Florida to visit family. I remember the last time I saw Ernest I was I was at LSU and he stopped to see me on his way to his first navy post. He was so handsome in his naval uniform and so excited to defend our country that he loved. May he rest in peace knowing he completed a life well done.
Christina O'Doniel Elguezabal. Houston, TX
Valerie (Tisha) Tucker
June 16, 2019
Thank You for being so good to me all my life.
Brandy Moore Nichols
May 15, 2019
Sending up many prayers & good thoughts for Coach Stevenson & his family. I had the pleasure of being one of his students, at Godby. Such a good teacher & a great person. He always had such a positive attitude & got along so well with everyone he encountered. They don't make them like you anymore.
Bryan Harrell
May 11, 2019
We'll done good and faithful servant - may the light of your candle burn bright in all the lives you touched, even those you were not concious of in this life. Now is your time to rest in the arms of the master...
Jeffrey Skinner
May 9, 2019
The Stevenson's have always been wonderful. Ernie was a genuinely caring soul for the students at Godby. He helped me and more than a few of my friends. I will never forget he or Jim. They made a significant difference in who I am today. I will always remember.
Fred Goldsmith
May 9, 2019
Ernie was special ! I remember in the 70's in Tallahassee when he held meetings weekly that were attended by athletes from Godby , FSU , , FAMU all crowded into his house when he was a teacher at Godby HS . He and Jim Gladden were difference makers that helped so many hear the Gospel and they changed the culture in all our football programs at the time . the national and state championships came then but the real prize was the love for Jesus that Ernie brought to so many ! It was an honor to know Ernie . Sincerely Coach Fred Goldsmith
DeLora Rogers
May 9, 2019
You were a great man. May you rest in peace.
Bay District Schools
Panama City, Florida
Dexter Bradham
May 9, 2019
Please accept my sincere condolences to the family . Coach Stevenson will always be remembered as a loving and caring man that touched the lives of so many. He never forgot a face, after not seeing him for more than twenty years, I was so blessed that our paths crossed again and it was like we had never lost touch. I thank God for having the opportunity to meet and spend time with Coach Stevenson. He will be missed, but always remembered.
God Bless!
Carol briscoe
May 8, 2019
Wonderful teacher and great colleague in the science department at GHS. A favorite memory is the evening he and Ann hosted my husband and me for a fish dinner at his home. The fish which Ernie cooked was so good and that's an accomplishment because neither of us like fish. I will always remember that night. My condolences to Ann and all of the family. Know he will be missed by so many whose lives he touched
Ron McCreary
May 8, 2019
Chuck Browning
May 8, 2019
Ernie floated in and out of my life for almost 20 years and I am so blessed to have met him and to be able to call him a friend.
Bruce Ferris
May 8, 2019
My wife Kathy and I were in Ernie's Sunday school class when we first started attending Piedmont Park Alliance Church many years ago. Ernie's relaxed style of teaching and ability to generate class discussion greatly influenced my life. I later served with Ernie on occasion when he joined us in the Leon County Jail Ministry under Chaplain Ted Warmack. I will never forget when Ernie told me he was leaving the School System to devote full time to FCA. What a wonderful decision that turned out to be. Ernie was indeed a mentor, teacher and friend. He put shoe leather to his beliefs and was someone you always thought would be around. He seemed too valuable for the Lord to call home for the world so desperately needs godly men like Ernie to mentor and teach others about Our Lord Jesus. Although he has finished his race which he ran well, his influence on so many will continue to bring glory to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our love and prayers go out to Anne and the family.
Kim Dixon McClellan
May 8, 2019
He was one of my favorite teachers at Godby!!
Liz Jameson
May 8, 2019
Lisa and John, I'm so sorry for your loss! From what you've said and what I've read, he sounds like a wonderful, sweet man who will be terribly missed.
Sending love and hugs!
Liz
Ron and Elaine McCreary
May 8, 2019
We have so many memories of Ernie from Saint Paul's and the rollicking Friday night Bible study. God grant you peace.
A D
May 6, 2019
Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and friends. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. (John 17:3)
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Ernest Stevenson's name
Memorial Events
for Ernest Stevenson
May
13
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Funeral services provided by:
Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
How to support Ernest's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ernest Stevenson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
