Search by Name

Search by Name

Ernest "Sonny" Smith Jr.

Ernest "Sonny" Smith Jr. obituary, Tallahassee, FL

FUNERAL HOME

Tillman Funeral Home - Tallahassee

4006 Crawfordville Road

Tallahassee, Florida

Ernest Smith Obituary

Ernest "Sonny" Jerome Smith, Jr.

Ernest "Sonny" Jerome Smith, Jr., 72, of Tallahassee passed at home on Friday, January 13, 2017. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, with burial in Southside Cemetery. Viewing-visitation is 3-7 p.m. Friday at TILLMAN OF TALLAHASSEE 850-942-1950. A lifelong Tallahasseean, "Sonny" was a 1964 graduate of the original Lincoln High School and a die-hard Rattler fan. Since 1968, he owned and operated Community Business Services, an accounting and tax preparation enterprise. He was a member of Mt. Horeb P.B. Church and served on the Board of Trustees for United Cerebral Palsy. Cherishing his love and legacy are his wife, Marilyn Bennett Smith; daughters, Lanetra Bennett and Khaneshia "KJ" Smith; one brother, Aylwin Smith; two sisters. Louberta (Harvey) Miller and Jackie (Alphonso) Lacey; one who was like a brother, Aquilla "AJ" Hills; aunt, Rosa Lee Brinson; mother-in-law, Louise Jefferson; father-in-law, Rupert Bennett, Sr.; three brothers-in-law, Rupert Jr. (Antionette), Cedric Sr. and Paul (Sabrina) Bennett and numerous other loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Earnest "Jack" Sr. and Louberta Hill Smith.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jan. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Smith

Sponsored by Tillman Funeral Home - Tallahassee.

Not sure what to say?





Doug Williams

February 13, 2017

Marylin,
My condolences on your loss.

Robert & Pamela Harper

January 24, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Sonny was a wonderful kind man, he would always put a smile on your face. He will be deeply missed.

WILLIE ANDERSON

January 23, 2017

To Marilyn, the Family, and all the Friends of Sonny,
Not to compare Sonny to our Lord and Savior, but if I could use the words of John, when he wrote in John 21:25, and said: There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written, to say that Sonny did many things that showed that he had the Love of Christ, and if all of them were written down, I suppose it would take at least a book or two.
I thank God our Father and our Lord Jesus for allowing all of us to know and share this Love with Sonny. And may the Love and Peace of God our Father and our Lord Jesus continue to bless all of us!
Love forever, Willie (Gee) & Jackie Anderson and Family!

Wilbert and Mary Washington

January 21, 2017

To Marilyn, Al and Family:
It seems like only yesterday when we
began working with 'Sonny'. We are
indeed sorrow to hear of your loss.

Sandy Gregg

January 21, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family of "Sonny", an incredible man, known and loved by many. Sleep in Heavenly Peace!!

Willie Mitchell

January 21, 2017

Rip!

Lora Turner

January 21, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Smith Family. Prayers and blessings to you all during this time of sadness. To God Be The Glory, RIP!

Greg & Patricia Pompey

January 21, 2017

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

January 21, 2017

We will miss that beautiful smile. Thank you for the many life lessons that you shared with your classmates.

Katherine Williams

January 20, 2017

To a man I had the pleasure of knowing I appreciate all you've done for me and my family over the years but I know you have a job for god so rest on Mr.Sonny

Cynthia Nix-Davis

January 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Gloria Hollingsworth-McClain

January 20, 2017

To the Smith Family, my condolences to your family with the loss of my classmate, "Sonny." I will keep your family lifted up in prayer during this time of bereavement.

January 20, 2017

To The Smith Family our Condolences and prayer are with you Remembering Sonny Wonderful and Gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts rest in peace our friend. Mr. & Mrs. GL Pompey

January 20, 2017

Al & Family: You are in our Prayers. "RIP" Sonny..

Johnny Hagan & Family

Marveeta Michael-Golden

January 20, 2017

We are so sorry for your loss. Sonny was a longtime family friend. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.

The Michaels

ViElla Balloon-Lindsey

January 20, 2017

Wish to express condolences to the family. Thank you Mr. Smith for your contributions to this community. To the family...may God strengthen you during this difficult time.

Terrace and Varonia Walker

January 20, 2017

To the Smith Family:

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our prayers are with each of you during this time of bereavement.

Bettye Gilliam

January 20, 2017

To The Family
You have my deepest sympathy.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and
prayers

W. Charlene Holliday

January 20, 2017

To the Family,
Condolences to all of you. RIP Sonny

Charlene & Duke (Clarence Francis Holliday, Jr)

Mike & Karen Jackson

January 20, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 20, 2017

Our condolences to the whole family. God got it.

Cheryl Brinson & Family

Shirlene, Dottie, Johnnie and Willie. The Dover Street family

January 19, 2017

My condolences to the Smith family RIH Sonny.

Anderson Austin

January 19, 2017

To SONNY FAMILY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW MY GOD BLESS

January 19, 2017

To the family of my friend, classmate, Ernest Smith, may you find comfort in the memories of your love one! God bless and keep you!

Jacquelyn Martin Walker

January 19, 2017

Rest In Peace , Ernest . Heaven regained a gentle giant . Sincerely Jacquelyn Martin Walker MD

Larry Harris

January 19, 2017

RIP Ernest you were truly one of a kind. Al, I am praying for the family. So sorry for your lost. Elder Larry Harris

Minerva M. Roberts

January 19, 2017

To our Cousin's (Family). Our deepest sympathy and Prayers goes out to you all. A giant solder and loving Father,brother, uncle, friend.God has called on home. He will truly be missed, our love words cannot express. God bless you all. I will Always remember that Smile.Always there to help in anyway possible. Love you my Friend.

Minerva M. Roberts

January 19, 2017

To our Cousin's (Family). Our deepest sympathy and Prayers goes out to you all. A giant solder and loving Father,brother, uncle, friend.God has called on home. He is truly be missed, our love words cannot express. God bless you all. I will Always remember that Smile.Rest in Peace.

Akiba Aliyy

January 19, 2017

Our condolences to Sonny's family and close friends. His huge, loving, jovial persona will surely be missed. What a great business man and pilar of his community too! May he rest in love and peace.

Alphonso & Julia McNeil, Sr b & Family

January 19, 2017

Thanks for the light that shines in our hearts forever...Prayers and Blessings to family and friends

Diann Woodberry

January 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to my family regarding the passing of one of our family member. May GOD keep an lift us up during this time.

Gwen Gibson

January 19, 2017

Sorry for your loss, the bookkeeper ever. Gibson's Learning Academy Tallahassee Florida.

Priscilla Jean-Louis

January 19, 2017

Surely gonna miss you Sonny. Rest well, Sir!

Covering you in prayer family!!!

Lenora Mobley

January 19, 2017

With Deepest Sympathy

Mary Diggs

January 19, 2017

Marilyn,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Barbara Thompson

January 19, 2017

I am deeply sadden by the passing of my dear friend, Ernest. You will forever remain in my heart as a person willing to help anyone. You are my HERO!.

Elouise Wilson Jefferson

January 19, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Carey & Letitia Nelson

January 19, 2017

Although no words can take away the sorrow that you bare. May it be comforting to you to know that others care.

Charlotte D. Davis - Class of 78

January 19, 2017

Marilyn with my deepest sympathy. May Gods grace and mercy surround you and your family at this difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers always.

Cynthia McCryndle

January 19, 2017

The memories when I was a little girl, will always be with me. God has plucked a flower from His garden. May you rest in peace. The McCryndle Family. BayMinette, Alabama

ELDER JOE E. COLSON, JR AND FAMILY

January 19, 2017

PRAYER ARE WITH YOU'LL!

MARVIN YOUNG

January 19, 2017

TO THE FAMILY OF MR. ERNEST SONNY SMITH. THERES A FLOWER THAT'S MISSING FROM THE EARTHLY GARDEN AND NOW HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE HEAVENLY GARDEN OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. MR. SONNY WAS GOD GRIFT TO OUR COMMUNITIES HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED. REST IN PEACE [ THE YOUNGS FAMILY ]

Juanita Jefferson Cook

January 19, 2017

Extending my deepest sympathy to the Smith, Jefferson and Bennett families.

Cynthia L. Bennett

January 19, 2017

RIP. My condolences to the family. He's in a better place. He has served his purpose on earth and God has called one of his faithful servant home. "Sonny", will truly be missed by a lot of people. GOD BLESS the FAMILY.

Carol Rollins-Crowell

January 19, 2017

Condolences to the Bennett and Smith Family.

Donna Ward

January 19, 2017

Condolences to our Family!! Sonny will be greatly missed!

Carey & Letitia Nelson

January 19, 2017

Although no words can take away the sorrow that you bare.May it be comforting to you to know that others care.

Carey & Letitia Nelson

January 19, 2017

Although no words can take away the sorrow that you bare.May it be comforting to you to know that others care .

Olivia Jefferson-Skinner

January 19, 2017

To The Smith Family You'll are in my thoughts and Prayers

Miriam Mitchell

January 19, 2017

To Marilyn my big sister and the family, a gentle giant from the city will be greatless missed. Sonny always gave of himself unselfishly in actions and deeds. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Sonny the life you lived has spoken for you and there's nothing else that can be said, RIP. Miriam

Vanessa Whitley

January 19, 2017

"Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal" Marilyn , you have my sincerest condolences . Will be praying for the family that God see you all thru this. Sonny will be solely missed.

Amelia Forbes Hughes

January 18, 2017

My condolences to the family. Praying for you.

Andrew Hadley

January 18, 2017

R.I.P Mr.Sonny!

Viola Howard

January 18, 2017

Sonny has certainly long been an inspiration with his joy filled demeanor and consistent professionalism. May the sorrow in his passing be tempered by the joy he shared in life. Sincere condolences to the family.

Jack & Cynthia Harley - family

January 18, 2017

To the family,
Sonny as we knew him, was a very kind person. He will be truly missed.

Showing 1 - 59 of 59 results

Make a Donation
in Ernest Smith's name

Memorial Events
for Ernest Smith

Jan

20

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tillman Funeral Home - Tallahassee

4006 Crawfordville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32305

Jan

21

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Old West Florida Enrichment Center,

FL

Funeral services provided by:

Tillman Funeral Home - Tallahassee

4006 Crawfordville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32305

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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor Ernest Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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