Earnest Edward Dove, 69, of Tifton passed away Friday, July 19, 2024, at his residence. A memorial service will be held for Earnest at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Michael Marchant officiating. Earnest will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Max Long, Bobby Bennett, Gary Hampton and the employees of the City of Tifton Fire Department will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Born December 4, 1954, in Hahira, Earnest was the son of the late James Edward Dove and Virginia Clemons Dove, He was also preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Cooper Robinson Dove; and one brother, James Michael Dove. Before retiring, he served as Captain of the City of Tifton Fire Department; and he was a member of New River Baptist Church in Tifton.
Earnest is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, James Michael “Jamie” II and Camille Dove of Dupont; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Michele and Jason Harris of Ashburn; Marissa and Larry Willoughby of Hahira and Katy Dove of Adel; one step-daughter, Jamie Gibeaut of California; one step-son, Clayton Robinson of Atlanta; one sister, Debra Dove of Tifton; eighteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Lucy.