Ernest James Pilgrim Jr.

September 6, 1933 - October 11, 2016

Darlington, South Carolina Ernest James Pilgrim, Jr., 83, of Darlington passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 3 PM in Freedom Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, directed by Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Kistler Hardee Funeral Home and other times at the home. Mr. Ernest was born on September 6, 1933 in Darlington, SC. He was the son of the late Ernest J. Pilgrim, Sr. and Beulah Blayton Pilgrim. Mr. Ernest was a member of Freedom Baptist Church in Darlington. Mr. Ernest had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. He loved spending time with his family and was a veteran of the Korean War in the United States Army. Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years, Helen Odom Pilgrim of Darlington; his son, Ernest “Dee” Pilgrim of Darlington; his daughters, Elizabeth Pilgrim Stevens and husband, Leon of Westerville, Ohio; and Melissa Pilgrim Blackwell and husband H.A. of Rock Hill; his grandchildren, Van Johnson, Margaret Chapman and husband, Dewey, Bethany Smith and husband, Joshua, and Preston Stevens; and his great grandchildren, Ansley Chapman, Mackenzie Chapman, Teagan Chapman, LJ Chapman, and Alyssa Johnson; and his beloved cat, George. Mr. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents listed above; and by his brothers, James Marvin Pilgrim and AM Pilgrim. Memorials may be made to Freedom Baptist Church Romania Fund 1416 Lamar Highway, Darlington, SC 29532. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.kistlerhardeefuneralhome.com