ADAMS, Ernest Raymond, 56, of Louisville, passed away August 20, 2016, surrounded by loving family after a short, but heroic battle against cancer. Ernie was known for his unforgettable bass voice and his charming personality.
Born in Los Angeles, CA, and raised in Owensboro, KY, he attended Owensboro High School and then Eastern Kentucky University, where he majored in Musical Theatre and met the love of his life, Dana Jo.
Together they performed from Europe to Hawaii to Japan and back to Louisville. Ernie sang with Musicana Enterprises, Stephen Foster Story, Kentucky Opera, Louisville Orchestra, Katty Smith Singers and Louisville Vocal Project, but found a home at Derby Dinner Playhouse where he was a “Barnstormer” and beloved Leading Man for several years. With a mechanical background, he also excelled there in technical theatre.
For more than 15 years, Ernie has cherished being employed by American Beverage Marketers, where he was the Safety and Compliance Manager. Although an avid UK fan, he may have been heard singing the National Anthem for UL Basketball games.
Ernie was a proud member of Fern Creek Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was very active with the music ministry.
His 32 year marriage to Dana and his three children brought him his proudest moments. He loved watching them on the soccer field, Carnegie Hall and the Broadway Stage.
Ernie was preceded in death by his mother Joan Adams.
He is survived by his father, Ernest Chacey Adams, his wife, Dana Adams and children, Ashley Kate of NYC, Wesley Chace of Louisville and Audrey Belle of Lexington. He is also survived by his three older brothers, Gary (Paul), Randy (Judy), all of Owensboro and Leon (Lisa) of Houston, TX. His in-laws and a host of family and friends are left to celebrate his memory.
Visitation will be held at Owen Funeral Home – Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Road, Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 5pm-9pm and Friday, August 26, 2016 from 2pm-8pm.
Memorial service will be held at Fern Creek Baptist Church, 5920 Bardstown Road, 11am on Saturday, August 27th.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fern Creek Baptist Church or University of Kentucky Opera Theatre.