Ernesto Valenzuela, Jr., better known as “Ernie,” “Ern,” and “Big E,” passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 43, after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ernie was born on October 13, 1979, to Ernesto and Benigna Rodriguez Valenzuela in Caldwell, Texas.
Ernie graduated from Caldwell High School in 1998, with dreams of playing collegiate and professional baseball (he holds the CHS record for most home runs in a season), but instead chose to follow in his father’s footsteps by beginning an apprenticeship to become an electrician.
He eventually relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he pursued and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology from The University of Arkansas-Little Rock. There he was a Ronald McNair scholar and on the Dean’s List, annually.
Ernie then relocated to Austin, Texas, where he completed his master of science degree in biology from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. While at Texas State, Ernie enjoyed his position as a teaching assistant, guiding undergraduate students in lab work, while also working on his thesis.
In 2018, Ernie relocated to Orlando, Florida, to be with his partner and future husband, Richard (Rick) Miller, after eight years of friendship. They married in September 2021, with Ernie’s brother-in-law, Kenneth Schermer, as witness.
During his life in Orlando, Ernie spent his days doing the things he loved most, playing softball on multiple teams, traveling the world with Rick, enhancing the plant life around their home, establishing lifelong friendships in and around Belle Isle, and spending quality play time with his dogs, Lola and Tucker.
Ernie was preceded in death by numerous extended family members, including his grandparents and several maternal uncles.
Ernie is survived by his husband, Rick Miller; their favorite Portuguese Water dog, Tucker; his parents, Ernesto and Benigna Valenzuela; sister, Belinda Valenzuela; sister, Andrea Schermer; brother, Kenny Schermer; and his nephews, Braxton and Brody; and niece, Belle.
Ernie was extraordinary. His smile lit up a room. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.
Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caldwell, Texas, on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. CST.
In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in Orlando at Leu Garden’s, Magnolia Room on Sunday, February 12, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com.
PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME 404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232