Ernest Calvin Spells, 71, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Kindred Hospital North Florida, Green Cove Springs. A native of Palatka, Ernest was born on Thursday, February 8, 1940 to John and Wilma (Fuce) Spells. He was a graduate of Central Academy Class of 1958. He was a cadet at United States Military Academy at West Point and served honorably in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was employed by Georgia-Pacific in 1965 in the bag factory and later transferred to tissue shipping, retiring in 2006. Ernest was a longtime self-employed master plumber, using his skills since age 14 with the former Blount Plumbing Company.

Ernest devoted his life to the Lord at an early age and way a loyal member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church of Palatka, serving in numerous church ministries including Trustee, Financial Committee Chairman, and United Methodist Men. In addition, he served as a District Lay Leader, representative for the church in the Florida United Methodist Conference. Ernest was instrumental in the construction of Emmanuels present sanctuary. Ernest always emphasized, You should support your Pastor and the Church. He was well known and respected throughout Putnam County and was the 2010 recipient of the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity Humanitarian Award and listed among the Hall of Fame for Tradesman Master Plumber.

In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in eternal rest by his devoted wife of 44 years Shirley Ann Williams Spells (June 9, 2010); brothers; David L. Spells and Charles E. Spells.

To cherish his life and legacy of memories; son; Cornell Bernard Williams, Palatka; grandson, Cornell Maxwell, Palatka; sisters; Cora B. Williams, Palatka; Lillie S. McNeal, Holly Springs, MS; brothers; John P. (Thelma) Spells, Jr., East Palatka; Timothy (Katie) Spells, Gainesville; sisters-in-law; Willie Pearl Spells; Eloise Williams-Hackney, both of Palatka; devoted friend; Mildra Jackson, Palm Coast and a host of nieces, nephews, devoted cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday (today) at the Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be 1p.m. Saturday, October 8, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 700 Main Street, Palatka, Reverend Ethel Deloris Demps, Pastor. The Reverend Dr. Kevin M. James, Sr., Pastor, Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, Tampa, is the eulogist. The cortege will assemble at 12:20 p.m. at his sister, Cora Williams residence, 341 Alabama Avenue, Palatka.

Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery