Karl Frederick Ernst

Karl Frederick Ernst, 73, of Siler City, died peacefully at the Hospice House in Pittsboro, Friday, October 25, 2024. 

Karl was born in Guilford County to the late William S. and Margaret Edmondson Ernst on February 13, 1951. In addition to his parents, Karl was preceded in death by his brothers, William “Bill” Ernst and Robert “Bob” Ernst.

Karl is survived by his bride of 26 years, Barbara Gray Ernst; two sisters; Katherine E. Blanchard and husband, Rev. H. Dale Blanchard, of Sharon WI and Karen E. Foster, of St. Joseph, MI; a brother, Ronald Ernst, of Battle Creek, MI. Karl is also survived by his stepchildren, Chad Sapp and wife, Shelley, of Sebring, FL, Adam Sapp and wife, Valeria, of Reidsville, NC and Amy Sapp, of Wilmington, NC; 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karl served his country as a Sargent in the US Air Force Special Operations. He was a member of the Chatham County Planning Board, Chatham County Strategic Plan Development Committee and Land Use Plan Implementation Committee. Karl was past District Governor of District 31-O, the president of the NC Lions Foundation from 2021-2022. Karl was a volunteer Hunter Safety Education Instructor, a coach for the Jordan Matthews High School FFA Marksmanship Team. He was a member of the National Fire Protection Association, NC Defense Business Association, NC Military Business Council, the Society of American Military Engineers, and a member of the Hickory Mountain Rifle and Pistol Club. Karl was a project Engineer for the building and energy management systems industry.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Smith and Buckner Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith and Buckner Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dale Blanchard officiating. Karl will be laid to rest in Salisbury National Cemetery at a later date. 

The family request memorials be made to NC Lions Foundation, PO Box 39, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Ernst family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com