Ernest Baxter

Ernest Earl Baxter, 96, of Greenwood, Florida, passed away in his home July 16, 2025. He was born on August 9, 1928 to Green Barry Baxter and Myrtle Thelma Mooneyham. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was known by multiple nicknames; Ginnie, Buck, Ginnie Buck, Ernie and Hawkeye, but his favorite names were daddy, papa, and also Uncle Ginnie by numerous nieces and nephews. He got his nickname because he was feisty and quick and Papa Will said he was fast like a guinea fowl.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lillie Gertrude Evans Baxter in 2001, Robyn Shaffer Baxter, Alysha Baxter, Arhea Baxter, and daughter-in-law, Amy Baxter. His siblings, Willie Paul and Dorothy, and his second wife, Bernice also preceded him.

He is survived by both of his children, James Earl Baxter, Gwendolyn Joette Baxter Soltis (Joe Soltis), his brother Bobby Green Baxter, and his 7 grandchildren; Rachael Michelle Ellis (Marc Ellis), Michael Johnston Gaffney, Jennifer Elaine Cazier (Roy Cazier), Stephen Carlton Gaffney (Julie), James Travis Baxter, Robert Earl Baxter (April), and Rebecca Anne Spencer.

He is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren; Aaron, Mariah, Michael, Natasha Ellis; Liam and Lilliana Gaffney; Joshua, Nathan, Sariah, Joseph, Gideon, Samuel, Elizabeth Cazier; Hannah Franceschi; Noah James Baxter; Georgia and Lauren Baxter; Ashley Duhon and Jacob Spencer; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

He married the love of his life, Lillie on July 1, 1944 when he was 15 and she was 19 almost 20. They were blessed with a boy and a girl to love and moved to Panama City to raise their family in the early 1950’s. Their children meant the world to them. Both worked in the shipyard with Ernest as a painter and Lillie as a welder. Later, he worked at Tarpon Dock Service Station, Tidewater Equipment Company, Baxter’s Pure Oil, and then worked and retired from Boilermaker’s Local 112 out of Mobile, Alabama. He was the best welder around and people searched him out if they had a weld that needed to be “spot on”.

They moved to Greenwood in the early 1970’s. After his retirement, he did work for the folks of Greenwood, helping them to keep their equipment going or whatever they needed help with. He was a man of many talents and they knew who to call if they wanted it done right. The price was right as he worked for free or oftentimes for access to their land for hunting and fishing privileges. He loved staying busy and loved being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of the world around him. He loved people and was always interested in what they had to say and believed you can learn a lot by listening.

He was a member of the Greenwood Baptist Church and very active until his later years. He was also a Shriner and enjoyed that for many years. He loved his family and friends and never met a stranger. He loved family reunions, family dinners, and special times with family and friends, and had a special gift with babies who always loved him.

He will always be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help those in need of help. Our entire family was truly given one of God’s best and we have been blessed beyond measure to have 97 years with him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the time of service.

A private burial will take place in Greenwood Baptist Church Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.