Ernest Lee Myers Jr.

Ernest Lee Myers Jr. was born on February 14, 1954, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, to Mello C. Myers and Ernest L. Myers Sr. He passed away on June 20, 2026, on the golf course, surrounded by friends, at the age of 72. Ernie attended Homestead Elementary School and Steel Valley High School, where he excelled academically and athletically, especially in football. A lifelong Steelers fan, he moved to Rhode Island in 1972 on a full four-year football scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976. While maintaining a lifelong connection to his community in Homestead, Ernie built a network of family and friends in Rhode Island and called the Ocean State and the South Coast of Massachusetts home. He began his career at Electric Boat before turning to public service; work that would define the rest of his professional life. Ernie spent the next several decades helping people the world too often gave up on. At Justice Works, he worked with young people who were wards of the state, supporting their path back into the community. He went on to serve as a supervisor at the Rhode Island Training School, continuing that work with youth in state care. He then joined the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, where he spent 31 years as the Work Release Rehabilitation Supervisor at the Adult Correctional Institutions. Later, with Justice Assistance, Ernie helped build sentencing-alternative employment programs that offered people a path forward instead of a prison sentence. He cared deeply about transforming the lives of those failed by systems — especially children. Ernie was a man of faith who met life with an open heart and open mind. A devoted son and loving father, he enjoyed the movies, science fiction, stories of medieval lore, popcorn, singing, the theater, and sports. He always had something positive to say about others. By the time he retired in 2020, he had cultivated a rich and joyful life. He spent his time golfing, learning the saxophone, practicing tai chi, serving in his church, and traveling. In 2025 Ernie married Silma-del Langley Myers, his former coworker and his cherished companion, and together they traveled often. In addition to his plans for the future with his beloved Sil, Ernie leaves behind his daughter, Katrina Jean Myers; his siblings Gloria Ann Woods, Perry Watkins Sr., Florine Walker, and Loretta Myers; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is survived by our memories of his magnetic smile and the warmth, generosity, and gentle wisdom he extended to everyone in his orbit. A celebration of Ernie's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Gospel Church, 3049 County Street, Somerset, MA 02726. All who loved him are warmly invited to attend. Ernie's pursuit of a higher education was integral to his identity. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the United Negro College Fund: https://give.uncf.org/site/Donation2?12702.donation=form1&df_id=12702