Ernie was a lifelong resident of Pirtleville and Douglas. He was always proud to say he was from Pirtleville! Ernie passed away at his home, surrounded by loving family on Saturday, October 14, 2017. He attended Douglas schools and graduated from Douglas High School in 1965. Ernie joined the U.S. Army after graduation and served in Vietnam from 1965-1967. He was awarded a Purple Heart along with the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Paratrooper Wings and Combat Infantry Badge. After his discharge he trained in the National Guard as a Military Police leaving as Platoon Sergeant 1st Class in Transportation after ten years of service. He was also Past Commander of 40 et 8. Ernie was employed by Phelps Dodge and Cochise County. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The American Legion. He was an avid member of Fred Hilburn Post #11 where he served as Post Commander, Commander of District #3 and Department Area A Vice Commander. Ernie loved his friends at the Legion and was a very active member. He welcomed anyone who came in and truly supported the Four Pillars of the American Legion: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Children & Youth and Americanism. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife Karen, sisters Betty Escarcega of Pirtleville, Yolanda (David) Guaderrama of San Diego, CA, brothers Reuben Smith of Phoenix and Freddie (Adriana) of Safford. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gilberto, Valdemar, Gerardo and Guillermo. Children of his heart are Debbie Smith of Glendale, Stacy Smith of Glendale, Ernie Ted Smith (Veronica) of Safford, Anthony Ortega (Kelli) of Las Vegas, NV, Eryka Estrada (Robert) of Douglas and Yolanda Pound of Douglas. His Grandchildren Monique, Chad, Ted Michael, Dillon, Mark, Christian, Serena, Yovanni, Isaac, Nicole, Milahani and Gavin. He was blessed with two great grandchildren, Azaleena and Emma. His nieces and nephews were close to him as well as his sisters-in-law Nancy Berg of Sierra Vista and Norene Rauh (deceased), and brother-in-law John (Bette) of West Fargo, ND. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at St. Bernard's Church in Pirtleville. Graveside Services will following at the Pirtleville Cemetery's Veterans Plot with Military Honors by the Fort Huachuca Honor Guard, the American Legion and VFW. Honorary pallbearers will be Reuben Smith, Freddie Smith' Ernie Ted Smith, Anthony Ortega, Robert Estrada and John Nerby. A reception will follow at the American Legion 1325 G Avenue. Lunch will be served and potluck dishes are welcome.