Obituary for Ernest S. "Ernie" Schooley
Ernest Samuel Schooley, age 78, of Horseheads, NY, was promoted to heaven’s welcome team on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Ernie was born September 19, 1943 in Lewisburg, PA, the son of the late Ernest and Clarice Schooley. As a young man, Ernie enjoyed any kind of sporting event, care-free adventures, and neighborhood escapades with his Lindley-Presho friends. Above all, he loved spending time with his one-and-only, Linda, and helping out on her Groner family farm. He graduated from Corning Painted Post High School in 1962 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force. In 1966, he married Linda and they made their home in Corning, NY where they would later welcome their three children.
Anyone who knew Ernie witnessed his strong work ethic and desire to serve others. He invested his time, talents, and leadership at Westinghouse (Horseheads), Sylvania (Seneca Falls), Toshiba (Horseheads), and numerous other employment endeavors including Phillips Funeral Home, Uber-driving, and commercial cleaning. He also served his country in the US Army Reserves until his military retirement in 1993. It was his life-long ministry to glorify God daily with his family, in his work, in service to his country, and to his community.
For the last 16 years, Ernie has faithfully served his beloved church, Higher Hope Church of Big Flats. He was instrumental in planting the church and served on the leadership team, as a Trustee, mentor, and, most memorably, a parking lot greeter. No matter his role, he served enthusiastically with joy. His servanthood and genuine friendship will be missed by his family at Higher Hope.
Ernie’s greatest admirers are rejoicing in his homecoming: Linda, wife of 55 years; daughter, Tammie Burlew (Kip) of Big Flats, NY; daughter, Christine Pratt (Mark) of Southport, NC; son, Michael Schooley (Jeanna) of Horseheads, NY; sister, Joyce Fee (Jim) of Campbell, NY; brother, James Schooley (Vicki) of The Villages, FL; brother-in-law, Cleo Russell of Lawrenceville, PA; brother-in-law, Arthur Groner of Painted Post, NY; and sister-in-law, Sally Kamienski (Michael) of Cornelius, NC. Ernie has also left a legacy of faith and service to his ten grandchildren: Alia Snyder (Grant), Jenna Morse (Ben), Matt Burlew, Ben Burlew, John Pratt, Lizzie Pratt, Eli Schooley, Lydia Schooley, Aidan Schooley, and Jaylah Schooley.
Ernie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Carla Casulo, Tara Johnson, RN, and the Wilmot Cancer Institute of Rochester, NY, for their compassionate care and trustworthy guidance through Ernie’s nine-year journey with cancer. Additionally, the family appreciates the abundant love shown by their Higher Hope family through thoughtful care of meals, encouragement, and most importantly, prayer.
Ernie will be remembered for his outgoing personality, love of people, sense of humor, and humble service to his God, family, church, and country. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 2nd from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Higher Hope Church, 356 Maple St., Big Flats, NY. A celebration service for Ernie’s homecoming will immediately follow at 2:00 pm.
For those wishing to do so, memorial donations may be made to Higher Hope Church for a special “Hall of Faith” garden project (356 Maple St. Big Flats, NY 14814) or sponsor a wreath(s) for Woodlawn Cemetery with Wreaths Across America (https://donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org).
Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Ernie was born September 19, 1943 in Lewisburg, PA, the son of the late Ernest and Clarice Schooley. As a young man, Ernie enjoyed any kind of sporting event, care-free adventures, and neighborhood escapades with his Lindley-Presho friends. Above all, he loved spending time with his one-and-only, Linda, and helping out on her Groner family farm. He graduated from Corning Painted Post High School in 1962 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force. In 1966, he married Linda and they made their home in Corning, NY where they would later welcome their three children.
Anyone who knew Ernie witnessed his strong work ethic and desire to serve others. He invested his time, talents, and leadership at Westinghouse (Horseheads), Sylvania (Seneca Falls), Toshiba (Horseheads), and numerous other employment endeavors including Phillips Funeral Home, Uber-driving, and commercial cleaning. He also served his country in the US Army Reserves until his military retirement in 1993. It was his life-long ministry to glorify God daily with his family, in his work, in service to his country, and to his community.
For the last 16 years, Ernie has faithfully served his beloved church, Higher Hope Church of Big Flats. He was instrumental in planting the church and served on the leadership team, as a Trustee, mentor, and, most memorably, a parking lot greeter. No matter his role, he served enthusiastically with joy. His servanthood and genuine friendship will be missed by his family at Higher Hope.
Ernie’s greatest admirers are rejoicing in his homecoming: Linda, wife of 55 years; daughter, Tammie Burlew (Kip) of Big Flats, NY; daughter, Christine Pratt (Mark) of Southport, NC; son, Michael Schooley (Jeanna) of Horseheads, NY; sister, Joyce Fee (Jim) of Campbell, NY; brother, James Schooley (Vicki) of The Villages, FL; brother-in-law, Cleo Russell of Lawrenceville, PA; brother-in-law, Arthur Groner of Painted Post, NY; and sister-in-law, Sally Kamienski (Michael) of Cornelius, NC. Ernie has also left a legacy of faith and service to his ten grandchildren: Alia Snyder (Grant), Jenna Morse (Ben), Matt Burlew, Ben Burlew, John Pratt, Lizzie Pratt, Eli Schooley, Lydia Schooley, Aidan Schooley, and Jaylah Schooley.
Ernie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Carla Casulo, Tara Johnson, RN, and the Wilmot Cancer Institute of Rochester, NY, for their compassionate care and trustworthy guidance through Ernie’s nine-year journey with cancer. Additionally, the family appreciates the abundant love shown by their Higher Hope family through thoughtful care of meals, encouragement, and most importantly, prayer.
Ernie will be remembered for his outgoing personality, love of people, sense of humor, and humble service to his God, family, church, and country. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 2nd from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Higher Hope Church, 356 Maple St., Big Flats, NY. A celebration service for Ernie’s homecoming will immediately follow at 2:00 pm.
For those wishing to do so, memorial donations may be made to Higher Hope Church for a special “Hall of Faith” garden project (356 Maple St. Big Flats, NY 14814) or sponsor a wreath(s) for Woodlawn Cemetery with Wreaths Across America (https://donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org).
Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning has been entrusted with the arrangements.