Ernest Boyd Allred, 87, went home peacefully in the early morning on April 5, 2017 at the Maple Woods Special Care Center in Springfield.
He is survived by his son, Mark Allred and his wife Tracy; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Born in George, Arkansas on September 14, 1929 to parents Garland Ether Allred and Eliza Fay (Grogan) Allred , “Ernie” grew up with three sisters and graduated from the School of the Ozarks High School in 1947. He achieved rank of Corporal in the US Army, serving 21 months on the front lines of the Korean War. He became a nationally recognized sales representative in a long career with PPG Industries. A proud Baptist, Ernie was regarded by all who knew him as an exemplary (and ornery) husband, father, grandpa, friend, and bargain-hunter. He was honored as a Lifetime Brother of the Masonic Service Association.
Ernie married the love of his life, Reba Lou Allred, on December 29, 1950. The two travelled the world, following their shared passions for family, charity, education, church, and country western music, always together. Ernie and Reba were relentless in their devotion to their two sons, Mark and Jimmy (deceased), and their children and grandchildren.
Ernie lived a life of integrity, living up to the advice he shared with his son Mark as a child: “Every day I pray for wisdom and strength.” and “Do right and fear not.” He cheered anyone he came into contact with, taking interest in their life story with his patented blend of joy and humor. Even in sickness, Ernie was burdened more for those he cared about than himself, especially his bride. Their bond was strengthened by their hope in Jesus and the promise of heaven, where he longed to see Jimmy and Reba Lou again.
A visitation service will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 3 p.m., at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. at the same location. Pastor Scotty Killingsworth of the Sac River Cowboy Church will perform the ceremony.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3