Ernest Lee Rivers

Ernest L. Rivers

March 17, 1947 ~ October 12, 2021 (age 74)

Ernest Lee Rivers, better known to family and friends as “Lip” was born on March 17, 1947 to the late Jim (Jock) and Mary Liza Rivers. On Tuesday morning, October 12, 2021, God sent his merciful angel to his home to take him to a place of eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Willie Sam Rivers, John L. Rivers, A.D. Rivers, James Rivers, Lonnie Lee Johnson, Robert Lee Harris and Willie Harris and sisters: JoAnn Chappell, Betty Harris-Crowder, Brenda Harris, and Barnett Harris.

His funeral service was held on Saturday October 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Greather Springfield MB Church with Reverend Robert Parham in charge.  Burial was in the Bolivar Community Cemetery and Dixie Funeral Home www.dixiefuneralhome.com was in charge of the professional service.

Ernest Lee grew up and attended public school in the Hardeman County area. He attended church at early age at Zion Temple #1 Church of God in Christ. Later in life, Ernest Lee was baptized and joined the Greater Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed attending church which included Sunday School, Bible Class and Sunday night service. Ernest Lee was Lawn Keeper until his health started to decline.

On September 24, 1966, Ernest Lee exchanged marital vows with Mrs. Dorothy Brown in which two children were born: Karen and Gary. This journey continued for over 55 years. Ernest Lee worked multiple jobs such as Kilgore, Copper Tire Company, Hardeman County Highway Department, and Dement Construction. Ernest Lee retired from Dement Construction, Jackson, TN in 2008.

Ernest Lee was always the life of the party. He enjoyed listening to music. He loved his family, friends and church family. Ernest Lee never met a stranger. He was a generous giver. He helped many.

Ernest Lee leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife: Dorothy Rivers; brother: Larry (Alfreda) Rivers; sister: Lovine Pirtle; daughters: Karen Rivers-Coby of Bolivar, TN and Monica Harris of Jackson, TN; sons: Gary Rivers of Bolivar, TN and Lamont Woods of Nashville, TN; His grandchildren: Markita Fitzhugh-Fleming (Shawn) of Olive Branch, MS, Marvion Coby of Nashville, TN, Coleco Rivers of Bolivar, TN, Kenya Jones of Jackson, TN, Rodney Perry of Chicago, IL, Quin Murrell of Nashville, TN and Devontae Armour of Bolivar, TN; Ernest Lee’s great grandchildren: Ty’Garion Rivers, Addison Jones, Brooklyn Murphy, and MJ Chapman; His sisters-in law: Cathy (Robert Earl) Woods, Ethel Franklin, Gwen Sue Brown; many other relatives and friends that will truly miss him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest Lee Rivers, please visit our floral store.