Ernest Eugene Moretz Sr.

Ernest Eugene Moretz Sr., age 96, was born on Sunday, June 24, 1928, in Catawba County, where he also passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024. He lived a full and meaningful life marked by devotion to his family, faith, and community.

Ernest had a distinguished career, working diligently as a meat manager at A&P in Bel Air, MD, until his retirement in the early 1990s. After retiring, he continued to share his work ethic and passion for the outdoors by taking on part-time landscaping jobs.

Throughout his life, Ernest was known for his love of family and his unwavering commitment as a husband, father, brother, and friend. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones and was a faithful member of his church Calvary Baptist Church in Bel Air, MD, until he moved his membership to Bethlehem Baptist Church where he also served faithfully. Ernest had a special talent for growing beautiful vegetables and various kinds of plants, particularly striking flowers, which he shared generously with those around him.

He proudly served in The United States Army, a testament to his dedication and patriotism.

Ernest leaves behind his beloved daughter, Tina Marie Moretz of Joppa, MD, and his dear sisters, Elsie Agnes Moretz Carter of Statesville and Wilma Aileen Moretz Ragan Simpson and husband Jack of Boone, and sister-in-law, Sylvia Moretz of Troutman. His loving memory will also be held dear by many friends and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 1/2 years, Zora Marie Moretz, his son, Ernest Eugene "Gene" Moretz Jr., and his parents, Paul Alston Moretz and Mabel Alice Davis Moretz; sisters, Annie Alice Moretz Dunlap and infant sister, Mary Jean Moretz, and his brothers, Kenneth Yount Moretz, Paul Bernard Moretz, James Marshall Moretz, and Louis Robert Moretz; grandparents, Polycarp P. Moretz and Nora Zuella Coffey Moretz.

A visitation honoring Ernest’s life will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm, all taking place at Bethlehem Baptist Church located at 7500 North Carolina 127, Township of Taylorsville, NC. Rev. Dean Chambers will officiate. Inurnment will be at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery in Boone at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7500 NC-127, Taylorsville, NC 28681 or Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 565, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Ernest Eugene Moretz Sr. will be remembered fondly for the joy he brought to all who knew him, and for the legacy of love and dedication he leaves behind.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com