Ernest Ward Kidwell Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Ernest W Kidwell Jr of Statesville, NC on May 2nd, 2023, at the age of 65. 
Ernest was a beloved member of his community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was born in Dayton, Ohio on Feb 28th, 1958, to the late Ernest W Kidwell Sr. and the late Una Spencer Kidwell. He was an electrician by trade and had recently retired. He spent most of his life in Lenoir, NC where he enjoyed spending time with friends by the river. Ernest was of Christian faith and attended Living Word Ministries in Statesville, NC. 
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jacque Kidwell, his sisters, Sharlene Pettet, Linda Slattery, Gladys Kelley and niece Stephanie Groth. He is survived by his brother, Herbert Kidwell and wife Sue of Florida, Brother-in-Law John Slattery of Maryland, his children Angela Gragg and husband Jodie, Melissa Kidwell and Jessica Moore of Florida, Reece O’Keefe, Nichole O’Keefe and Rachel O’Keefe of Minnesota. Ernest also had a large family of grandchildren: Stephen, Alexander, Isabelle, Gage, Elisabeth, Coralin, Coy, Cohen, Nicholas, Sophie, Lucas, Evangeline, Lexi, Thalia, Clara, Melody, Alora, Zoey, and Sereia, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his fiancée Nancy Rose Woodruff. 
Ernest had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was known for his sarcastic wit and his ability to find humor in any situation. He also had a passion for classic rock music and loved to sing to his grandchildren. Ernest had a soft spot for animals and his porch was always a gathering place for stray cats and dogs looking for a warm meal and a comfortable place to sleep. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 
To honor Ernest’s memory, the family will be hosting two Celebration of Life services.
The Statesville Memorial Service will be held on May 12, 2023, at Living Word Ministries at 347 Jennings Rd, Statesville, NC at 2 o’clock.
A memorial service will also be held in Lenoir, NC on May 13, at a time and place yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Humane Society in his memory. Ernest’s legacy will live on through the memories of his loved ones and the many lives he touched throughout his life.
Nicholson Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.