Terrence Walter Ernst

Terrence Walter Ernst, 80, of Cataula, GA passed away on Wednesday February 5, 2025 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, GA.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 8, 2025 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Terry was born November 27, 1944 in Benson, MN to the late Jerry Gerald Ernst and Elsie Emma Knochenmus Ernst Bull. He was the owner and president of Aquarius Pools for the past fifty years.

Terry was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving with honor and distinction. He completed two tours in Vietnam, first as an Infantry Platoon Leader. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School (OCS) he was commissioned into the Army Aviation Command, proudly serving his country in a second tour in Vietnam as a Chinook Pilot.  At various times during his military career Captain Ernst received the following commendation and awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w60 Device, 4 Overseas Bars, Army Aviator Badge, Air Medal (2nd – 14th Award).

Terry was honorably discharged from the Army in 1974.He continued his love of aviation by owning and flying his personal planes and becoming a flight instructor.  He took great pleasure in guiding others to obtain their pilot’s license, and for many their first flight was with him.

Terry was a hard working, honest and widely-respected business man; building a legacy with his business, employees (his Aquarius Pools family), and service to his customers.  He loved life with his wife Nancy of almost 27 years,and was proud of the accomplishments of his daughters, son-in-laws, and grandchildren.  And everyone knows how Terry painstakingly tended to his beautiful yard daily and looked forward to participating in the annual 4th of July Ft. Benning picnics hosted by Dr. Clark and Pilar Cobb.

Survivors include his wife Nancy Kay Jones Ernst of Cataula, GA, daughters: Rhonda Ernst Wakefield (Matt) of Greensboro, NC, and Susan Ernst Caldrone (Michael) of Stone Ridge, VA. Grandchildren: Elizabeth ‘Libby” Bates Wakefield of Chapel Hill, NC, William Dozier and Charles Edward Wakefield of Greensboro, NC, Campbell Rebekkah Caldrone and Marshall Walter Caldrone of Stone Ridge, VA, and his beloved fur babies Munchkin and Mickey

Other than Terry’s parents he was preceded in death by his 1st wife Rowena Bates Ernst, the mother of Rhonda and Susan and his brother Gerald Thomas “Tommy” Ernst.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: Methodist Home for Children, Harris County Humane Society, Fisher House at Ft. Moore or the USO.

Nancy would like to extend a special word of gratitude to: Dr. Clark Cobb, Dr. Joe Lewis, Dr. Thurman, Harris County Sheriff Deputy Mason, and the Harris County EMS