Tommy "Ernie" Ferrell

Tommy E. Ferrell, 62 years old, who was known to most people as “Ernie” and/or “the bug man,” sadly passed away in the early morning hours of September 6th with his wife and children by his side. He made that sacred passage from this life and into heavenly eternity without fear, pain, or suffering. He was a husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many people. Everyone who had the chance to know him seems to say the same thing, “Ernie was the NICEST man.” He’d go out of his way to help people in any way that he could, ask about their day (and really listen), and share stories about his latest and greatest fishing expeditions. Often times, if Ernie was coming over, you knew that you’d better make some extra time to chat - because he LOVED to talk. Ernie loved people. There were many times over the years that his family would encourage him to retire. Until one day, they had a realization. He didn’t want to retire because he got to go visit his friends every day. He LOVED what he got to do for a living. It wasn’t about the service that he provided (killing bugs) – it was about all the stuff in between. The people, the relationships, and the families he watched grow up over the years. Watching babies grow up into adults and then having their own babies (and then servicing THEIR homes). It was never about the bugs for him. If you were a customer, please know that he carried so much love and pride for you all – that he never even considered putting you all up “for sale.” He loved you too much. Ernie was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Anyone that had experienced fishing near him, knew that he carried a special touch. Whether it was the flick of his wrist, the lures that he had expertly crafted, or having a unique ability to spot where the fish would be hiding – he was quite the Bass-Whisperer. From the lakes of Florida - to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire – Ernie was a respected fisherman and friend. Ernie is survived by his; mother, Shayne Mewbourne; father, Tommy Ferrell; and brother, Timothy Ferrell. While they remember the man that he became over the years, they also hold onto the memory of Ernie’s earlier years. With a head full of red hair, and a fire in his little soul, they grieve not only the man – but the little boy. Ernie is also survived by his; son-in-law, Stephen McKnight; and grandchildren, Stockton and Kennedy McKnight. He was an incredibly proud grandpa and loved his grandbabies with everything that he had. Before he left this Earth, he made sure that Stockton knew how to bait his own hook & fish like a man. And Kennedy, he just knew that she was special (like him) and would grow to figure it out on her own. Ernie was a family man. When his family was young, every dinner was eaten at the kitchen table, while the details of the day were discussed amongst him, his wife, and his children. It didn’t matter how long and grueling the day – it was important to him. He is survived by his children; Shane Ferrell and Cindy McKnight; and his wife, Susan Ferrell. There was no one in the world that he loved and treasured more than Susan. They’ve shared a lifetime of memories and she was the love of his life. The loss of Ernie feels almost unbearable for her, as he was her whole world. As he left this world behind him, we are sure that it was most difficult for him to silently acknowledge that it’s “goodbye for now” to Susan. Ernie made it clear that he did not want a funeral or memorial service. The thought of everyone gathering, while grieving, wasn’t something that he wanted. In place of a traditional service, there will be a memorial fishing tournament held on West Lake Toho (one of his favorite lakes) on October 24th in his honor. This will be a time to celebrate Ernie’s life and legacy, and to say goodbye in the way that he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers or gifts, if you feel compelled to do something for his family, they are creating a memorial in the back yard of where Ernie lived, and loved, for the past 30+ years. Towards the end of his life, he became captivated by butterflies. With a child-like fascination, he would catch monarch caterpillars, put them in a special butterfly cage, watch them make their transformation into butterflies, and then release them back into the wild. If you would like to help with the cost of the construction, and landscaping, of the patio and butterfly garden (where Ernie’s ashes will be placed in a beautiful black granite headstone) – the family would be eternally grateful and accepting of a donation. Whether it’s Venmo or Paypal, or simply mailed to his office, it will go directly to his wife Susan. venmo: @Tommy-Ferrell-1 paypal: paypal.me/susanferrell123 Office address: Ferrell’s Pest Control 810 Crows Bluff Lane Sanford, FL 32773 (Checks payable to Susan Ferrell)

Tommy "Ernie" Ferrell

September 27, 1958 - September 6, 2021