Earnest "Earnie" Neal Jarnigan

Earnest “Earnie” Neal Jarnigan, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Earnie was born at home in Dandridge Tennessee April 27, 1950. He was the youngest of four boys born to Fred Jarnigan and Zelma Corbett Jarnigan. He spent his childhood in the Chestnut Grove Community and attended Dandridge Elementary School and Maury High School. He learned carpentry skills from his father and later put them to use by becoming a contractor and building numerous houses around East Tennessee. Earnie worked for Lowes Home Improvement Stores for thirty-six years, fourteen of which he worked for the corporate office as a Senior Project Manager traveling all over the United States. He officially retired in 2013, yet his work never ended. He helped friends, family and his church every opportunity he could. He answered the call to serve the United States Army from August 1970 until August 1971 and in the reserves until March 1976. Earnie was in the 4th Infantry Division, Bravo Battery, 29th Artillery. He received a bronze star on the battlefield from General William Westmoreland. On June 3 of 1991 Earnie was united together in love with Jean McIntosh Jarnigan. For 33 years they exemplified exactly what a husband and wife should be living life to the fullest side by side. He became a father and grandfather through this marriage. He was a true family man using his talents to help anyone in need. He assisted family with remodeling projects, attending sporting and music events and cooked countless meals for holidays and other occasions. Earnie became a Christian at a young age starting a life of servitude. He was a good and faithful servant at every church he attended using his talents for the Lord. Currently, he was an active member of Shady Grove Church, which became an extension of his family. He was chairman of the trustees, delivered food to those in need, assisted in Wednesday night meals at the church, and answered the call in any way possible. Earnie was truly a selfless person showing a love for the Lord and true servant’s heart. Proceeded in death by his parents and brother Jerry Jarnigan. Survived by his wife Jean McIntosh Jarnigan, children Dena (Ken) Oakes, David Black, Kristen (Craig) Dutton, grandchildren Kennedy Oakes, Joshua Oakes, Elijah Black, Nathaniel Dutton, Lily Dutton, Josiah Black. Brothers Bill (Norma) Jarnigan, Murel (Barbara) Jarnigan and several nieces and nephews. Receiving of friends will be February 23, 2025, at Shady Grove Global Church from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Service to follow at 6:00PM. The internment will be February 26, 2025 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Shady Grove Global Methodist Building Fund.