Ernest Jerome Felder I

Raleigh - Ernest Jerome Felder I, also known as “Truck,” passed away on January 7, 2015, at age 59, from a sudden massive stroke with his family by his side at Wake Medical Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ernest was born in Buffalo, New York on April 25, 1955 to the late, Rev. Willie Felder, Sr. and Sue Esther Walker-Felder. Ernest was a standout, multi-sport athlete at Seneca Vocational High School in Buffalo, N.Y. which earned him a scholarship to Canisius College. In March 1981, Ernest was joined in holy matrimony to Charletta Inez Douglas. Out of this union, two children were born, Ernest Jerome (E.J.) Felder II and Cha-Donna Monique Felder. The couple remained residents of Buffalo until 2004 when the lovebirds moved to Belleville, Michigan where Ernest joined the management team at General Motors, later the coupled moved to Raleigh, N.C. in 2009. Truck enjoyed outdoor activities from riding his bike, swimming laps in the pool and going to the beach. He loved all sports, and listening to all types of music especially attending live concerts. He frequently took road trips to see family and friends.  He was known to just pop up in town at your house unannounced, and was a fixture at family events and gatherings. He had a booming voice and a smile that lit up any room. We will miss his invaluable advice, unbiased truth and strong opinions on all subjects. Ernest leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Charletta; daughter, Cha-Donna of Raleigh, N.C.; son, Ernest J. Felder II (Matsa); grandsons (His Main Men), Isaac and Elijah Felder of Chicago, IL; brothers, Willie and Tommy (JoAnne) of Buffalo, N.Y. and Dwayne of Raleigh N.C.; sisters, Bertha Smith and Nora Sue Felder (Wilbert) of Buffalo, N.Y. and a whole hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his brother, Charlie Felder. The family will receive friends and relatives for a wake on Friday, Jan. 16 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27604.  A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday at Mt. Zion Church, 316 Allen Lewis Dr. Cary, NC 27513