Add a Memory
Ernest Nestor Obituary
Share your Experiences, "Nestorisms", and Photos
Reunion of Life/Celebration": April 10, 1-4pm LJVM Coliseum's Legacy Room, Winston-Salem, NC
Our wise, wonderful, West Virginian lived a life filled with passion, integrity, kindness, and love. He was of service to everyone and shared his wisdom and strength with anyone who needed it. Everyone needed it! If you were fortunate to know him, you became a better person. Coach did not feel a funeral would be the ideal send-off. He wanted a gathering. Our plan is to have a "Reunion" in Winston-Salem at the end of basketball season. We invite all the special people in his life to join in the celebration.
We all know Coach loved to tell stories and had so many sayings that shaped our lives, made us laugh, built our character, and made us stronger. He had the ability to turn any moment into a life lesson. One of his superpowers was his ability to de-escalate any emotional situation with his humorous phrases and meaningful stories. He never had a shortage of stories... never! Truly never!
As a family, we are surprised and delighted at the numerous "Nestorisms" and stories that are new to us! As a way to heal and to keep his love of family, friends, and basketball alive, we invite you to share your experiences, "Nestorisms", and photos when you share your memory. Please dig deep and let's have fun with this.
We are going to compile his wisdom, humor, and lessons in a shareable format.
About Coach Nestor
Ernie was born in Philippi, West Virginia, the son of Jenny and Ernie Nestor. He is survived by his wife Janet of 57 years, his daughters, Stephie and Jennifer, and five grandchildren. Stephie and her partner, Jeff, have three children, Kodiak, Tanner, and Lucy. Jennifer and her husband, Winston, have a daughter, Clio, and a son, Jude.
Coach has two sisters, Linda Sandusky and Becky Thacker (husband John Thacker). He is the uncle of Marc, Erik, Lindsay, and J.D. and the great uncle of Kylie, Marshall, Jordan, and Miles.
Ernie graduated from Phillip Barbour High School in 1964. He completed his undergraduate work at Alderson Broaddus University and completed his master's degree at West Virginia University. His coaching career began at Ravenswood High School 57 years ago. He then moved to Bassett High School. His college coaching career began at James Madison University. From there he shifted to Wake Forest University, University of California at Berkeley, George Mason University, Elon University, Penn State University, University of Missouri, and The Naval Academy.
His honors include the 2014 NABC "Guardian of the Game Education Award," the 2005-2006 Southern Conference, "Coach of the Year," 2004 Alderson Broaddus "Battler Hall of Fame," and numerous others. His love of basketball led him to coach The American Team for the Jones Cup in Taiwan, The Kosovo National and Junior team, scout for the New Jersey Nets, and teach basketball and life skills in South Africa. In his retirement, he continued to work basketball camps and coach local high school students.
In August of 2024, Coach started chemotherapy for MDS, a blood cancer. On January 22, 2025, he drove himself and his wife, Janet, to Duke University Hospital for a checkup and discovered the MDS had mutated into acute leukemia. He passed away in the early morning hours of January 26 at Duke. He was positive, brave, and generous with others until he took his last breath. His special friend witnessed him sharing parenting advice while teaching acceptance to his nurse on the Saturday evening before his passing. This man truly was the greatest of all time... our G.O.A.T.
When you are missing Bapa, Ernie, Coach - watch the sunrise, get on the court, take a walk, or call someone just to see how they are doing. These are all things that our dad did to bring him comfort.
Reminder: Share your Experiences, "Nestorisms", and Photos
Please consider a donation in Ernie's memory to support patients with MDS at Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute where he received treatment. 100 percent of donations go directly to MDS patients receiving treatment. Follow the link, click on "Dedicate my donation in honor of in memory of someone" and fill out Ernie Nestor. Please click on "Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute" to make the donation goes to MDS patients and their support ( food, lawn care, transportation, etc)
https://give.nhrmc.org/give/409100/#!/donation/checkout
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
25 Entries
Janet Nestor
April 19, 2025
john l.teegen
April 18, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chris Chalko
March 16, 2025
My time with Coach Nestor was at Elon University from 2003-2007. He was instrumental in instilling a work ethic into me that still continues to this day. I still use phrases that he would say during practices ("front load the work, if you can do it tired, you can do it at any time") that I use with my patients to this day. He also encouraged and supported me during my overlap in time with physical therapy grad school/redshirt senior season and accommodated my heavy academic schedule/load. A still remember studying anatomy textbooks during the long bus ride back from Chattanooga, TN after a game.
My heart goes out to his family and I wish I could be there for the celebration of life in April. Ernie Nestor was a heavy influence in my life through my college experience and his memory and life lessons will continue to live on through me and my kids.
I´m proud of what I was able to accomplish during my collegiate career, and Coach Nestor was instrumental in helping me along the way. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Dave Butler
February 22, 2025
Coach Nestor came into my life during my junior year at Cal. I had never met a coach with more knowledge of the game or more creativity. He was always the coach who was handed the clipboard to chart a play whenever it was close at the end of a game. Most importantly, he always felt like a source of stability and wisdom to me as a player and person. He spent hours in the gym with me working on the small parts of the game that most wouldn´t even think of. He also would add in advice and direction on life as we worked on my game. With 4 kids of my own now, I always reflect on the type of coach and person each one needs in their life. Coach Nestor was that person....his life was dedicated to helping each of us fulfill our potential completely. RIP Coach. You lived an incredibly impactful life.
How you can show support
Brandy Cabot
February 15, 2025
I love you all so much and I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Kate Holland Baynard
February 11, 2025
I don´t even know where to begin. I went to Wake, but Coach Nestor really came into my life with my son, Shark. Shark was homeschooled until 10th grade when he started at Laney. Two weeks in his dear friend died by suicide, a week after that shark went into surgery for rods and pins in his hand after an injury at basketball. There are no words for the gratitude I had watching Coach come and work shark out but more importantly be there for him through so many struggles. My dad and husband were both unwell. Coach Nestor kept Shark focused, positive, and strong through many trials, and got to enjoy the tribulations with us as well. When I was concerned other things were dominating special times for Shark Coach Nestor stepped in to make sure he got his time, even taking him to AAU games in Rock Hill while I went to Holland´s graduation. I was so very fortunate to have him in our lives during such a difficult time, and Shark was able to thrive because of this angel Coach Odom brought into our lives. Shark passed on some opportunities to play baseball or basketball in college to go to UNC and would come home weekends to get a workout in for JV tryouts, and to catch Coach up on his new life in Chapel Hill. This pic below was at our house this fall the day before tryouts. The other is from their "boys trip" to play AAU while I was in Virginia with Holland. Our family was TRULY blessed. He is so very missed.
Kerry Keating
February 10, 2025
My first actual coaching position was sitting next to Coach at Wake Forest. They put the video equipment and me in his closet!
When I had to get some actual clothing to wear on the bench that season, I´ll never forget that Coach told me how much of a game-changer custom shirts were.
Coaches always coach in all aspects. Ernie knew I wanted to do it right but couldn´t afford it or acknowledge that I wanted to dress nicely.
I never ever forgot that, over the next 25 years, I NEVER, and still to this day, have worn a dress shirt that wasn´t custom made. I always remember that day Coach showed me his custom dress shirt and how much of a game changer it was. And it is.
Thanks Coach. RIP.
Ody Oguama
February 9, 2025
I will never forget Coach Nestor and his passion and joy, not just for basketball, but for life itself. Things were not always perfect in the shared time I had with him, but he carried himself in a way that was the perfect combination of lighthearted and relentless. He lived a fulfilling life and will be dearly missed by family and friends, my condolences.
Pookie Alter
February 7, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note in memory of Coach Nestor, a remarkable individual who provided me with much-needed sanity during a challenging and stressful period in my life.
Coach Nestor joined the coaching staff at Navy during my sophomore season, a time when I desperately needed someone with whom I could connect and be my true self outside the structured environment the naval academy instilled. From day one I hit it off with Coach. I loved the countless stories and one-liners he could spit-out in a moment´s stories. He truly had enough stories to last 10 lifetimes. Not to mention, I think he knew just about every person in the collegiate basketball community. If he didn´t know them personally, he definitely had a story to tell about them!
In many ways, I saw Coach Nestor like a grandfather to me. He just had this level of wisdom and Yoda-like anecdotes that reinforced all the things we should be grateful for. While he was a fantastic coach, he was an even better person. In fact, I felt most of our conversations often did not revolve around basketball but rather about family, friendships and giving back to communities, a true reflection of Coach Nestor, the man. So grateful for the outlet he provided to me during my years at Navy.
Miss you Coach!
-Pookie
Janet Thompson Thrift
February 7, 2025
I too went to school with Ernie. Just recently I had been bragging to my husband that I had graduated in the same class as Ernie Nester. We pulled up his info on the internet and spent some time going over all the amazing things he had accomplished. Needless to say my husband was pretty impressed. How sad we were ...just a few weeks later...to see that he had passed away. Our condolences to his family, friends, and his Philip Barbour classmates.
Debbie Holmes
February 6, 2025
Ravenswood WV Class of 1969 felt so very fortunate to have Coach Ernie Nestor as part of our faculty even for a short period of time. He blessed us by attending our 55 th Class Reunion this past summer and we shared stories of his short time with us. Thank you Ernie Nester for being a part of our class and you are not and never will be forgotten. Bless you for all you have accomplished in your wonderful life.
Ravenswood Class of 1969
Joseph Amonett
February 6, 2025
Coach Nestor was the best. A fierce competitor and a kind soul all in one. He was the best with one liners and I use many of them today with my team. One of my favorites is "An honest man never cares to be checked." My college basketball experience at Wake Forest was incredible and a major reason was Coach Nestor.
Sunday Okeke
February 5, 2025
Coach Nestor made me love the game of basketball again. I feel his special gift was find a way to connect with young adults. I will never forget about 6:30am workout and the free throws at the end because he I will to the line a lot due to my rebounding ability. His passion for the game of basketball was next level. I really appreciate all his wisdom and moments we shared.
James Hemphill
February 5, 2025
Coach Nestor recruited me out of Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC and already was a legend in the area from his days at Wake Forest and Elon. I will never forget the 5:30 am shooting workouts and his kind and motivating words throughout the season. He always taught his players more about life than basketball. Even after graduating he would send happy birthday and Merry Christmas texts. He was truly one of a kind. The lessons he taught me will be passed down to my kids! One of my favorite all time people! Champion.
Carol Cochran
February 5, 2025
Carol Watson Cochran
I went to school with Ernie and graduated with him in 1964. He was one of the best people that I knew. My friend Janie Daugherty and I attended a basketball game when he was coach at Annapolis. It was an amazing time!
My condolences to Janet and all of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Tony Rutland
February 5, 2025
I always thought, if Coach Nestor could finish the 3 mile run, "remember the Hill". Then I better get in shape and finish. Lol he pushed me in more ways than one. He will be missed but remembered as I coach like he coached me.
Patricia Morrison McCauley
February 5, 2025
Ernie was a great guy. I went through grade school and graduated with him in `64. Condolences to your family.
Mary Daugherty Poling
February 5, 2025
https://pbhshalloffame.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/0/1/120186655/pbhs-hof-19_orig.jpg
Ismael Massoud
February 5, 2025
As a young bright eyed freshman experiencing college basketball for first time I just remember him just always speaking me up and giving me positivity towards my game and ways to improve. I also remember him pulling me aside on couple occasions just to rebound for me while coaching me up on my shooting with no one to rebound or pass but himself. Even as I´ve moved on from wake i appreciated everytime he would text me congratulations on things on the court as well as off or even simply to check in on me and see how was I doing. Know he was loved by players and family alike and will be surely missed
Mary Daugherty Poling
February 5, 2025
We were in the first class to graduate in 1964 from the newly consolidated county high school, Philip Barbour. Ernie was bright, popular, kind, athletic ... everything good! Except at a class reunion or two, we never met again, but over the years, I was aware of his success as a coach, family man, and community servant. He brought honor to the country school from which he graduated. Prayers for his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Lynne Heflin
February 5, 2025
When my husband and I learned we were to be grandparents, I asked Ernie what it was like as he already had grandchildren. He explained that when a grandchild is born a secret compartment of your heart opens up and a special love pours out. As we discovered, he described it perfectly. I have passed this along to my friends and family. Ernie was the best. His memory will always bring a smile to my face.
Jerry Braswell Jr
February 4, 2025
Telling me about first month of practice that I was going to be a very good player at wake forest! I was struggling bad and he knew just what to say to get my confidence back! RIH COACH NES!!
Jerry Braswell
Lindsay Thacker
February 4, 2025
Lindsay Thacker
February 4, 2025
Lindsay Thacker
February 4, 2025
When Jenn was getting married, I had been asked to help set things up and participate as the younger cousin - I was in high school. I had to be there earlier than my family. Arrangements were made for me to ride up with my uncle. It was a 2 hour ride from Winston to Linville. During the entire 2 hour car ride, I was educated on the history of NASCAR. I learned how it was about running moonshine, how it had roots in the mountains, and something about the specific area in which we were driving. As the dutiful niece I sat and nodded my head and actively listened to the history lesson. To this day, I´m still not sure how NASCAR came up in conversation. But the story and memory of it always puts a smile on my face. I love you Uncle Buddah
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
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 Nestor'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