Ernest R. Ziegler

Ernest Ray Ziegler, age 76, of Shelby, Alabama passed away on June 9, 2024, surrounded by family. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Bay Springs Baptist Church. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 AM. Rev. Richard Horton is presiding. He will be laid to rest at Bay Springs Cemetery. Bolton Funeral Home directing. Ernest was born on March 25,1948 in Spring Valley, Illinois. He graduated from Henry-Senachwine High School in Henry, Illinois. After graduating he joined the United States Air Force (1967 to 1971) during the Vietnam era, serving much of his career at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Among his most cherished service-related achievements was the honor of being selected in 1969 to donate blood in support of the APOLLO 12 mission during the first scientific exploration of the lunar surface. In 1969 while stationed in Florida, Ernest met and married the love of his life, Sarah. After leaving the Air Force, the couple settled in Shelby, Alabama. He was a skilled heavy equipment operator and worked as a construction supervisor for several companies in the Birmingham, Alabama area, including Ellard Construction and Flanagan Excavating Company, Inc. Ernest, aka “Zig,” was instrumental in the development of many projects throughout Alabama and the Birmingham metro area. Many friendships were made along the way, of which all were accompanied by a memorable story that he often told. Ernest is survived by his wife of 54 years Sarah L. Ziegler. He is also survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Ray) Hyde and Mandi (Kirt) Benson; Grandchildren, Hannah Ziegler, Lauren Ziegler, Wesley Hyde, and Melissa Hyde Cook (Tim); Great Grandchildren, Hadley, Hayden, and Pierceton; Brother Les (Leona) Ziegler of Chillicothe, IL, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father Louis George Ziegler, mother Anna Gertrude Ziegler, brothers Melvin Ziegler and Russell Ziegler (Sandra). Ernest enjoyed fishing, woodworking, feeding and watching birds, and his cat, Stan. He was loved by many and will be missed by his family and friends. Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.

Ernest R. Ziegler

March 25, 1948 - June 9, 2024