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Randolph Ernst
1944 - 2025
BORN
1944
DIED
2025
Randolph Ernst Obituary
After graduating from high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he served proudly as an engineer. He was honorably discharged in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he and his family, including his parents, relocated to the Sacramento area of California.
Ray and his father, Roy, opened and managed a Gulf Oil gas station in Carmichael for many years. He later continued his career in the automotive industry, beginning in sales at J.C. Penney Automotive Centers and then working with several dealerships throughout the Sacramento region. He ultimately retired from Adesa Auto Auctions after a long and successful career.
Ray shared 27 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sharon. Together they built a home filled with laughter, warmth, and cherished memories. He was a proud father to Valerie Day (Andy) and Heather Gard (Kevin) and a loving stepfather to Lorrie Chacon and Mindy Darnell. Ray was blessed with ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, Roy, his mother, Lola, his sister, Kathryn, and his daughter, Loleta. He is survived by his wife Sharon and his brother, Larry Ernst (Christine) as well as extended relatives.
Known for his kind heart, sense of humor, and steady spirit, Ray touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Whether through his quiet strength or his unwavering support for loved ones, he will be remembered as a man of great integrity, loyalty, and compassion.
Family services will be organized for a final resting place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. Plans for a celebration of life will be forthcoming.
Ray will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randolph Ernst
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13 Entries
Michael Norris
Yesterday
I hired a man to run a trencher for some water lines in my backyard and his name was "Ray Ernst". I'll bet it was the same man. One of the trench lines ran uphill but drained downhill so Ray had to trench deeper as he went uphill. He had so much experience that he got the grade almost perfect on his first pass. He seemed like a very nice man. May he rest in peace doing odd jobs up there in the sky.
Michael Norris
Fair Oaks, CA
Mary Lou Lentz and Ken Lentz
Yesterday
Ken and I both thought he was such a nice guy. And talented, too. His blacksmithing work was very creative. Though we didn't see him often we will still miss him. We offer our condolences to Sharon and the rest of the family.
Pam LeDonne
November 5, 2025
The long struggle is over now Raymond. You were blessed with so many great things in life. I will never forget seeing you in a picture with a Deer. A friend that you had while living in Torrington. Years later, I gave you the picture. Your mom, Lola and my mom Nora were best buddies for a long time. I think they were closer than mom Nora and Roy as sister and brother. May you rest in peace Cuz.
Bob Juch Joan Geneva
November 4, 2025
Our condolences to Sharon and family. Ray was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Bob Juch
November 4, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and family. Ray was a great guy and a wonderful friend. We were neighbors in Carmichael in the late 70s and 80s. Our families had some good times together. I was fortunate enough to witness Ray & Sharon´s wedding day. Ray will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Patrick Edmund
November 4, 2025
Doc,
Your presence is already felt, it was a pleasure and honor to know you. Talking to you proved your devotion to Sharon and all of your family. I will miss your sense of humor the most, loved talking and joking at our monthly breakfasts. God has you now, I will see you there when our Father takes me home too.
Loretta Barber
November 4, 2025
Sharon and family I´m so sorry for your loss. Rays Mom and my Dad were brother and sister. We both grew up in Torrington and both families moved to California. Rays family to Northern California mine to Southern California.
John Shields
November 4, 2025
WE are already missing you, Ray. You were a wise and good man and a steady rock for your whole family.
P. A. Knighten
November 4, 2025
Ray was a good man and a good father, he was good to all he knew, can't ask for anything more.....may he rest in peace as he earned it.
Rob Triol
November 4, 2025
Dear Sir,
Rest easy. It is my plaintive hope that your dear daughter Letty greeted you as you left this world
Emerald
November 4, 2025
Sending you warm Aloha during this time of loss. May your hearts be comforted by one another and may memories soften your days. Much love from us here in Hawaii.
Tim Van Raam
November 4, 2025
We will miss you Raymond. Love to Sharon and family.
Tim Van Raam & Pam Ledonne
Jim Fanning
November 4, 2025
My condolences, I remember Ray when he was going to school in Torrington.
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