Brian Charles Ernst, 19, of Oakwood passed away March 16, 2010 after a courageous battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Brian was born March 11, 1991 in Gainesville and raised in Oakwood. He was an excellent student and graduated from West Hall High School in 2009. Brian’s life revolved around playing baseball. He was a standout pitcher for the West Hall Spartans and college recruiters were already showing interest in him before he began his junior year. Brian had an easy going love for life and an amazing sense of humor that naturally drew people to him. He was admired by his peers who honored him as a member of Prom Court 2008 and as Mr. West Hall his senior year.
When Brian was diagnosed with cancer he decided to take the situation and try to bring positive things out of it, and indeed he did. With his funny, kind, mischievous demeanor and his strong faith in God he brightened the day for other children with cancer and gave more to those who endeavored to improve his life than they could give to him. As he fought his battle with cancer he became renowned for his courage and strong spirit. His video interview for Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been seen across the country and has been an inspiration to West Hall students, Georgia Tech athletes and many other young people. He even inspired his personal baseball heroes, Mark Teixeira and Javier Lopez, when had the opportunity to meet and spend time with them during the last months he battled with cancer. Brian was a loving son, dedicated brother, faithful friend, and made a difference in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He once told a reporter, “If I can inspire at least one person, then I’ve done my job.” Brian did his job hundreds of times over.
Survivors include his loving mother and father, Donna and Steve Ernst and his brother and best friend, Brett Ernst of Oakwood; his sister Tiffany Ernst of Oldsmar, FL and sister of his heart Jaclyn Balchus of Woodstock. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. John Garner of Dalton; his paternal grandmother Mrs. Frank (Evelyn) Ernst of Smyrna; aunts and uncles Mr. Steve Smith of Sandy Springs, Mr. Eric Garner of Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Kometer of Tampa, FL and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Ernst of Atlanta. Brian is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Frank M. Ernst and his maternal uncle John Garner, Jr.
A service celebrating the life of Brian Ernst will be held Friday, March 19, 2010 at 2:00pm at Memorial Park South Funeral Home Chapel, Flowery Branch with the Rev. Paul Evans officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. In Brian’s honor, his family would like you to remember him through an act of service to others.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CURE Childhood Cancer, 1835 Savoy Drive, Suite 102, Atlanta, GA 30341 or the Southeastern Sarcoma Foundation in Care of Ned Crystal, 3350 Atlanta Road Smyrna Ga. 30080. Arrangements by Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Ga. 30542, 770-967-5555, or online condolences at
www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
