Ernest C. Gott, age 88, of Watha went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Pender Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Poca, West Virginia, the son of the late Andrew J. and Izora Bailey Gott. He grew up, raised his family and spent many years in St. Albans, West Virginia.

Mr. Gott proudly served his country during WW II in the US Army. He was a mason, being a member of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia A.F. & A.M. He was a retired chemist from Avtex Fibers in Nitro, West Virginia.

Serving on the Board of Deacons, Ernest was a faithful member of Friendly Community Baptist Church.

Ernest was a sacrificial man of honor, integrity and great faith who always put the needs of others before his own. He was a devoted husband, loving daddy, granddaddy, great granddaddy and friend. Cherished memories of Ernest will forever remain in our hearts.

Surviving are his beloved family; his wife of 63 years, Edith Lucas Dale Gott; children, Gary Dale (Peggy) of Watha, Larry Gott (Sandra) of Millington, Tennessee, Deborah Ward (Joseph) of Fayetteville, David Gott of Watha and Danny Gott (Debby) of Olney, Illinois; grandchildren, Matthew, Christy, Sarah, Kevin, Curtis, Monica, Lisa and Joseph II; and twenty great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw. Following the visitation a funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Phillip Jones, The Rev. Barry Wells and The Rev. Leo Bracken officiating.

Burial will follow in Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery, NC Hwy 11, Willard, NC.

Casketbearers will be Kevin Gott, Curtis Gott, Jason Swinson, Brent Croom, Joseph Ward II, Mark Cavelage and Alan Page.

Military honors will be accorded by American legion Post 10 Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.