James "Ernie" Warren

James Ernest "Ernie" Warren was born June 30, 1942, and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the age of 82. He was an incredible businessman, teammate, husband, father and grandfather.

A life celebration service will be held at 11:00 AM CST on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Community Baptist Church in Maylene, AL, located at 8254 Hwy 17, Maylene, AL 35114. The family will receive friends beginning at 9 AM CST. Refreshments will be provided in the fellowship hall following the service.

Ernie graduated from Marietta High School in 1960, where he played football and ran track. While there, he achieved Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Ernie went to Auburn University after high school, where he lettered in football as a "guard" under Head Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan from 1962-64. Extracurricular activities at Auburn included being a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and serving as President of the A Club. Ernie's legacy and loyal service to Auburn University, along with his professional accomplishments, were recognized by Auburn when he received the prestigious Walter Gilbert Award in 1998.

After graduating from Auburn in 1965 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Ernie worked for US Steel Corporation and Honeywell Corporation before joining the Eshelman Company in Birmingham in 1968 as a sales engineer. Ernie went on to become President of the company in 1980, where he remained until his retirement in 2017. Other professional memberships included the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Association.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, of 46 years, brother Don Warren, father James T. Warren, and mother Maidie Frances Warren. He is survived by his children Wade Warren (Eileen), Stacy Warren Crews (Greg), and Wyatt Warren (Sarah); grandchildren Garrett, Madeline, Iris, Tessa, William, and Ben; brother Hal Warren (Pam), sister Nancy Demetros (Chris) and brother in law John Wyatt. Nieces and nephews include Laura Mauck, Sam Warren, Alec Demetros and Colin Demetros.

Ernie positively impacted, mentored, and cared for countless people. Many people loved him during his time here, and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama.