Mr. Ernest Freddie Lovett, Sr., a devoted father, a retired builder, real estate developer, farmer and cabinet shop owner of Portal, GA, passed away at the age of 85 on Saturday, June 1, 2024 after a long illness.
Mr. Lovett was a posthumous child born 3 months after the death of his father, Rufus Lovett, to Emma Miller Lovett (Kettles) on October 11, 1938. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Rev. H.K. Kettles, Pastor of Portal, Adabell and Middle Ground Churches of God. The nature of Ernest’s birth helped to shape him into an extraordinarily resilient, talented, wise and industrious man who contributed greatly to his family and community as a landowner as well as an acquirer and builder of real estate in Bulloch and Jenkins Counties (GA) as well as Broward County (FL).
He is most treasured for raising each of his children to be hardworking, ethical and to have both an education and a trade. With a down-to-earth demeanor, he generously opened his home for a hot meal, a good conversation, fresh produce, fishing, basketball and for many a safe place to stay for a while.
He was a long-time member of Portal Church of God (Rev. Tony Harden, Pastor) and as a widower joined the beloved and historical family church of the Millers, Johnson Grove Baptist Church (Rev. Maurice Hill, Pastor), in Portal, GA.
Mr. Lovett was the husband of the beautiful and dearly missed Aselue “Frizz” Lovett, who preceded him in death. He was the father of the amazing son, Ernest F. Lovett, Jr (Carolyn M. Lovett), who also preceded him in death.
He is survived by five daughters and five sons: Dianne L. Flowers (Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Retired Army) Carl J. Flowers), Renee L. Murray (Army 1st Sergeant (Retired) Irving Murray), Veronica L. Evans (Ulysses Evans, Jr.), Lisa L. Denson (Christopher Denson) and Juliette Burke. His Sons: James F. Lovett, CMSgt USAF ret, CFM, F.SAME, (TS/SCI) Robert Frank Lovett (Mandy Lovett), Alvin L. Lovett (Dionne Lovett), S. Clinton Lovett (Shecora Lovett) and Jeffery Maurice Murray. He is blessed with 24 Grandchildren and 22 Great GrandChildren.
His two brothers and one sister preceded him in death: Rufus Lovett, Jr. (Alberta “Bert” Lovett), Berdie Mae Wiggins (the late Charlie Wiggins) and Clifford Lovett (Ola Lovett). He is also survived by two very special relatives raised together as close brothers: The Rev. Edgar L. Miller (Mother Mattie Miller) and Ricky D. Lovett (the late Linda Lovett). He is survived by two sisters-in-law: Rev. Susie Harris Green (Deacon Michael Green) and Victoria “Vicki” Williams. Mr. Lovett has a host of family, friends, neighbors and caregivers who contributed so much joy and love to his life.
The family will receive family and friends on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hill’s Mortuary Chapel (58 Packinghouse Road, Statesboro, GA).
The Life of Mr. Ernest F. Lovett, Sr. will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at Crossroads Community Church in Statesboro, GA (23923 US-80) with viewing one hour prior to service, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
The Repass will take place at The Lovett Pondhouse (2999 Old Dill Road, Portal, GA ) following the Burial Service at the Bulloch Memorial Gardens (22002 US-80).
The family wishes to thank all of those who prayed for, visited, called or asked about our father during his extended illness. We continue to thank you for your prayers and love during this time.
Final rites have been entrusted to Hill’s Mortuary, Inc.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Earnest F. Lovett Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
