Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Ernest Lee Tinsley Jr., peacefully transitioned into heavenly sleep on Thursday. October 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Ernest, commonly known as “Jr.” “Trustee Jr.” or “Tinsley”, was born in WV on July 25,1945, to the late Ernest Lee Tinsley. Sr. and Anna Elizabeth French Tinsley of Fayetteville, WV.

Ernest received his education in the Fayette County public school system of WV. After school, he explored the East Coast - moving from NY, back to WV, settling in the Washington DC Metropolitan area.

Ernest also explored multiple careers - working for The Greenbrier, Texaco, and George Washington University, from which he retired after 20 plus years of dedicated service.

Ernest was a faithful and dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights in Washington, DC. He was a devoted Trustee, an active member of the Culinary Ministry, and was always available to assist with any maintenance project. Until his accident in 2015, Ernest could be found at church every Sunday before 6am without fail. Ernest loved the Lord. He enjoyed great preaching, music. and shared his spiritual knowledge with many.

Ernest, the epitome of resilience and toughness, was a role model for handling adversity. In the 10 plus years after his accident, he never once complained about his situation. He truly earned his time to now rest in the Lord's comforting arms.

Ernest, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by his brother, Phillip Jones; sisters, Ernestine Johnson, Vera Canada, and Linda Kanney; and nephews, LaMar Kanney and Eddie Johnson.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Tara Tinsley (Chris) Pelitere and Ebony Edwards; granddaughters. Alexis Jones and Alicea Pelitere; brother, Honorable Dwane (Tina) Tinsley; loyal partner and devoted caregiver, Pearl Epps; brothers-in-law, Eddie J. Johnson and Fred Kanney and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and longtime friends.

Committal service will be 1:00PM Friday, November 21, 2025 in Huse Memorial Park Fayetteville, WV with Rev. Lawrence Washington officiating.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.