Ernest Leon Harper was born in Oak Hill, WV on July 8, 1951, and was peacefully called home on August 7, 2026, in Akron, Ohio where he lived most of his life.

Ernest worked at Goodyear Rubber Company for a short time before becoming an entrepreneur working on, buying, and selling homes. He was also a faithful member of Livingstone Apostolic Church. Ernest had a heart of gold, willing to help anyone who asked, whether the request was great or small. He was a sharp dresser, who loved suits, enjoyed gambling, and living life.

Ernest was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sarah and Will Harper, Archie and Fary Corbett; parents, Rachel E. and Will Harper Jr.; sisters, Faye Mays, Marilyn Whitehead, and Clarissa Banks.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his sons, Ernest Bailey, Chris (LaToyia) Williams, Arin Harper, Kevin Harper, and Brandon (Cierra) Harper; sisters, Antoinette (Samuel) Ford, Stephanie Fain-Jones, Deborah Hannah, Minni Connalley, Joyce Beckett; brothers, Archie Harper, Willie Harper Sr., Mark (Patty) Harper, Thomas (Tammy) Harper Sr., Lawrence (Wendy) Fry, Clarence Banks, as well as his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.