Earnest McKinley Widgeon, 67, went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2023. Earnest made great accomplishments during his time on this earth to include graduating from the Apprentice School of Newport News Shipyard in 1980 and retiring after 44 years. Through his time at the shipyard, he touched a multitude of lives and left an imprint on their hearts. Earnest loved bowling and traveling the U.S. going to bowling tournaments with his friends. Earnest also traveled to see the Atlanta Braves, but his favorite trip was with Kasey to see the home of their favorite football team, The Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Widgeon, Sr. and Martha Bailey Widgeon; two brothers, Ronald Widgeon and Bobby Widgeon; sister, Remona Johnson.

Earnest was an awesome husband. father, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Denise Jacobs Widgeon; daughters, Raquel Widgeon and Kasey Widgeon; sons, Earnest Widgeon Jr. and Lamont Widgeon; brothers, Cecile Widgeon and Elliot Bailey; sister, Earnestine Widgeon; uncles, Theodore Widgeon, Robert Bailey (Shirley), Earnest Bailey Jr., William Bailey; aunt, Irma Lee Harris; sister in-law, Cynthia Jacobs Bingham; and a plethora of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him greatly.

A funeral service will be held 11a.m., Friday, September 22, 2023 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the funeral home and 9 a.m. until the hour of the service on Friday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.