Virgil Wayne Ernst

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Virgil Wayne Ernst, who passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 84 at his home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Virgil Wayne Ernst was born on January 22, 1940, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Virgil started out as a bag boy for a grocery store in his early teens, he was in The Army National Guard, he was a heavy equipment operator (Wayne the crane) they called him. He was a builder of high-end pools, his expertise was in building many known theme park pools, vacation destinations pools, hotels pools, college pools & Olympic size pools. Virgil most enjoyed fishing, watching Nascar, football and was an avid plant lover. Some of his favorite things were attending the Dolphins games as a season ticket holder, riding the dolphins bus as a family to the games, taking family trips, family reunions, Disney World, and attending boat races, and drag racing events. Some of his greatest times were spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing games, swimming, being outdoors, and of course the favorite game "the hand slapping game" which they all loved even though grandpa was always the winner. Above all, Virgil was a family man, hardworking and loved the outdoors. He was tough on the exterior and soft on the interior. He was a leader and teacher of many in the early days of the pool building industry. Everyone knew him as a person that they could go to with any question, or problem and he would steer them in the right direction. Our father was a great father, fun, loving and kind. He was a generous and sweet grandfather and great grandfather. He was a great provider for his family. (Wayne) Was loved and respected by all. Virgil Wayne Ernst was survived by his loving wife Patricia Anne McKernan Ernst, (Daughter) Lee Anne Decker (Husband) Scott Decker, (Daughter) Ashley Price Wolfe (Husband) Kelly Wolfe, (Son) Christopher Wayne Ernst (Grandchildren) Christin Decker (Eddie Chamberlain), Jordan Decker (Shannon Decker), Brandon Wolfe, Harli Wolfe (Perry Hall), Sierra Wolfe (Great Grandchildren) Kane Decker, Wyatt Decker, Camryn Chamberlain, Perry Ellis Hall III, Eddie Chamberlain Jr. (Siblings) Jack Ernst, Vern Mercer, Sam Catoe, Delores McGee, Julie Catoe, William (Buddy) Mercer (Deceased) (Preceded in death by his mother) Geneva Lois Catoe Memorial services will be held on Saturday February 17, 2024 @ 2:00 PM Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetary (Pavilion) 10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411