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Ernest Lyle
Locke
June 7, 1951 – April 5, 2026
The McDougald Funeral Home
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Boulevard Baptist Church
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
Ernest Lyle Locke of Anderson, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Born June 7, 1951, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, he was the son of Nancy Gaston Locke and William Calhoun Locke, and the second of seven children.
Ernest graduated from Rock Hill High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Agronomy from Clemson University. He devoted his career to agriculture, serving as an agricultural consultant and county agent for Clemson University in Anderson County until his retirement in 2002. He continued his public service working in water quality for Anderson County and was also a partner of his family business North Gate Apartments in Anderson.
A devoted Christian, Ernest was an active member of Concord Baptist Church for 47 years and more recently of Boulevard Baptist Church. He and his wife Diane taught Sunday school to children for many years. Ernest's faith, compassion, and humor touched everyone he met. He was known for his calm presence, kindness, and ability to bring joy and fun to every situation.
Ernest shared 50 loving years of marriage with his wife, Diane Locke, a fellow Clemson University graduate. They raised a son, David Locke, Realtor and designer, and cherished their grandchildren Owen and Graham Locke and Daughter-in-love Robin Locke. Ernest was also deeply loved by his parents-in-law, SB and Sara Owen, whom he considered second parents.
Ernest was an avid hunter and firearms enthusiast, a passionate student of history, and a respected figure in the agricultural and horticultural community. In his later years, he devoted himself to his family, assisting with childcare, helping run North Gate Apartments, and supporting his son's businesses, Locke Design Omnimedia and Locke and Key Associates.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Locke; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Robin Irvin Locke; grandchildren, Owen and Graham Locke; siblings Bill (Barbara) Locke of Miami, FL, Donnie (Glenda) Locke of Raleigh, NC, Ronnie (Meg) Locke of Rock Hill, SC, Linda (Johnny) Quinn of Matthews, NC, Glenda Locke of Concord, NC, and Steven Locke of Rock Hill, SC.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 am at Boulevard Baptist Church with Dr. Austin Carty officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, in Piercetown, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boulevard Baptist Church and Cancer Association of Anderson.
Ernest's legacy is that of a man who deeply loved Jesus Christ and sought to live according to His teachings. He showed love, compassion, and friendship to all and will be remembered for his humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM
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