Ernest Calvin 'Ernie' Saxon, 76, Summerton, South Carolina formerly of Gallipolis, Ohio left us on Wednesday, September 17th. He was born September 19th, 1948 in Addison Township, Gallia County, Ohio.  He was the son of late Raymond Saxon and Carrie Hayman Saxon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Ray Saxon, James "Dan" McQuaid and David McQuaid.

He married Sandra Mae Adkins on January 11th, 1969 in Gallipolis. They then lived in Fairbanks, Alaska and Fort Bragg, North Carolina during his tour of duty in the U. S. Army, before returning to Gallipolis. Ernie founded Saxon Construction Company and upon retirement relocated to Summerton, South Carolina to enjoy the warmer weather and started Saxon's Apiary where he sold honey to local vendors.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons,  Eric Saxon of Summerton, South Carolina and Brett (Lori) Saxon of Gallipolis. He was blessed to have five grandchildren, Ernest Saxon, Svetlana Saxon and Elora Saxon, Tessa (Jeremy) Queen and Bryce Saxon.  A great grandson, Oliver Queen and his protective/faithful Yorkie companion Ana.

He is also survived by his brother Donald (Becky) Saxon and sisters Leona "Sis" Harrison,  Betty Saxon and Wanda Jordan.

Ernie graduated from Kyger Creek High School and Gallipolis Business College. During his military service he served in the motor pool and as company clerk. Ernie's work career included being a Prudential insurance agent, accountant and tax preparer for Joe Alley, Carter & Evans construction.  He also drove truck for Roy Ross Trucking, Bob Evans Packing Company, Smith Transfer Company and Dyer Brothers Lumber Company. He worked at Crown City Mining as an oiler on a 950 wheel loader and 7400 dragline before starting his construction business and then incorporating it in November 1989. He enjoyed designing, building new homes and remodeling them. He was experienced in all aspects of the trade.

Ernie was an avid gardener of flowers, fruits and vegetables. He was blessed with two green thumbs and enjoyed preserving the fruits of his labors. He enjoyed being outdoors and on the water. He was good at spotting and harvesting morel mushrooms. He enjoyed golfing with his friends in Gallipolis and at the Players Golf Course in Manning, South Carolina.

Ernie was active and respected with many friends in the community. He dearly loved his sons, and coached them in Little League baseball at Green Elementary School. He was an active participant at the Gallipolis Golf Course and Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107. He was a past member of the Gallipolis Area Jaycees, Gallipolis Shrine Club and a 32nd degree Mason. He volunteered his carpentry skills to the restoration of the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 1pm, Friday, September 26th at the Waugh-Halley-Wood funeral home with Bob Hood officiating.  Burial will follow at the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens with military honors presented by the VFW #4464 Honor Guard. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11am to 1pm. on Friday.

Pall bearers will be: Donald Saxon, Eric Saxon, Brett Saxon, Bryce Saxon, Tyler Davis, and Jeremy Queen.  Honorary pall bearers are: Bill Tabor, Mel Tabor, Don Gibson, and Ken Rothgeb.

Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home is honored to handle these arrangements for the Saxon family.

In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider donations in his memory to your local animal shelter, charity or place of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family in memory of Ernie Saxon to www.waugh-halley-wood.com