William E. Ernst Jr.

December 27, 1959 - June 26, 2017

William E. Ernst Jr., age 57 of Millville passed away unexpectedly, Monday afternoon, June 26, 2017 at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland after an extended illness. Born in Millville to William E. Ernst Sr., who sadly passed away later that same day, and the late Alice B. (France), he grew up in Cumberland and attended Millville High School. During his teenage years, William volunteered as a firefighter for Cumberland Volunteer Fire Co. and over the years became a life member. He was also a volunteer member of the Gouldtown Volunteer Fire Co., and a member of the Fairfield Twp OEM, and the Cumberland County Fire Police. For many years William worked as an Engineer for Winchester and Western Railroad of Bridgeton. He then worked for Modern Gas as a delivery driver until he became disabled. William loved to host family dinners. He was especially known for his secret recipe for his famous BBQ chicken. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and being a volunteer fireman, but most of all, he cherished his time spent with his children and grandchildren. William is survived by his children, Kreshna Figueroa and Luis Figueroa and wife Stacey; five sisters, Susan Ernst, Karen Macon, Joann Ernst Murray and husband Don, Lillian Johnson and husband Erik, and Mary Smith and her fiancé Mike Harrar; and four grandchildren, Deztiny, Daniel Jr., Avery and Peighton. Funeral services will be simultaneously with the services for his father, Friday, June 30, 2017 at 12 noon in the Christy Funeral Home, 11 W. Broad St., Millville. There will be a viewing on Friday from 9 am to 12 noon in the funeral home. Burial will be in Cumberland Methodist Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions to the Cumberland Volunteer Fire Co., 5272 Route 49, Millville, NJ 08332. Memories and expressions of sympathy for William Ernst Jr. may be shared on the Obituary Tribute Wall at www.christyfuneralservice.com.