LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Ernest Michael Starnes, age 81, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was married to the late Ernestine Bailey Starnes for 57 years. Ernest was born May 15, 1944 in Lancaster, SC. Ernest was the son of the late James Inshman Starnes Sr. and the late Margaret Rollings Starnes. He proudly served in the United States Army. Ernest enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed spending time with his son and his grandchildren. Ernest was an active member of Fork Hill Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school.

Ernest is survived by his brothers, Brice Starnes (Rose), Ray Starnes (Becky), Jackie Starnes (Kathy), Donald ( Kay), Rick Starnes, and Wayne Starnes (Yonj); his sisters, Betty Ann Laney, Peggy Flowers (Mike), Linda McManus (Dennis); his sister-in-law, Catherine Starnes; many special nieces and nephews; and his handpicked and heaven-sent family, Rev. Dr. Ken Pruitt and Terry Pruitt; his grandchildren, Nichole Frisch (Connor), Bethany Pruitt, and Sarah Joy Pruitt; and his great-grandchild, Charlotte Frisch.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Ernestine B. Starnes; his son, Michael Starnes; his parents, James and Margaret Starnes; a brother, Jim Starnes; a sister, Maggie Craig; and his brother-in-law, Billy Craig.

The Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Fork Hill Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Dr. Ken Pruitt and Pastor Adam Furr. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, one hour prior the service, in the Family Life Center. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Fork Hill Baptist Church, 1125 Fork Hill Rd, Heath Springs, SC 29058.