Ernest Burnette Leake

Mr. Ernest B. Leake, age 83, of Durham, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, June 10,2024 at Alamance Regional Hospital in Burlington, NC.

Ernest Burnette Leake, son of the late Weldon and Julia B. Leake was born on December 19, 1940, in Efland, NC. He left this earth to eternal rest on June 10, 2024, at Alamance Regional Hospital in Burlington, NC.

Reared in Chatham County, Ernest, “Buck” to family, or “Ernie” to those with whom he worked, was a 1957 Horton High Thunderbolt graduate and attended Hickory Grove Baptist Church as a young man. He then pursued higher education at North Carolina College in Durham, majoring in Biology. Ernie dedicated around 25 years to his role as a manager in the Manufacturing Division at International Business Machines (IBM) in RTP, retiring in 1993. He also served in the National Army Reserve. 

He remained active by playing golf and eventually combined his people skills with his love of style as a sales associate in the men’s department at Belk in University Mall, Chapel Hill, NC.  He later moved to Jos. A. Bank where he continued his passion for helping others while dressing in impeccable style.

Ernie cherished spending time with his family and friends. Although he wasn’t the loudest in the room, his presence was always felt through his thoughtful insights and remarkable wisdom. Ernie’s quiet demeanor and quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Ernest’s love for music, live and recorded, covered all genres, from Miles Davis, Barbara Striesand, Frank Sinatra, and Stevie Wonder, to all things Motown and Philly Soul. He experienced the giants of jazz during their prime when he lived in New York City and loved seeing Dave Brubeck at the Hollywood Bowl.

Ernest taught his oldest daughter, Pam, how to play chess when she was in grade school. She eventually found a strategy book and quickly earned a surprise victory. He was always complimentary toward Mike and his teenage bandmates even though they loudly rehearsed one song over and over again for hours. Dionne enjoyed playing tennis with Ernest. He took and stored hundreds of pictures of his family and rarely missed a sporting event or musical performance. Ernest was a loving presence in the lives of his grandchildren, either traveling to visit them or walking UNC’s campus with the family. They loved his quiet affection. Ernest was a keen observer who shared thoughtful gifts and quiet advice.

Ernest was a lifetime UNC basketball fan, and an especially huge fan of his daughter, Pam, who earned first team All American honors while playing with Lady Tarheels. Ernest started playing golf regularly in the early seventies with his brothers and later with his neighborhood golf group. He admired Tiger Woods’ mental toughness and loved the crushing pressure that he put on his competitors by simply being the best. Ernest involved his whole family in his passion for tennis. Everyone played and he served as his neighborhood's tennis chairman. He attended several US Opens and enjoyed preparing strawberries and cream on Wimbledon finals day. He adored Venus and Serena Williams, loved powerful passing shots, and couldn’t get enough of how badly John McEnroe behaved. 

Ernest cherished being a member of Barbara Hibbert’s family. Their frequent, large, unscheduled family gatherings infused with humor, thoughtfulness and love provided great memories. He and Barbara attended White Rock Baptist Church in Durham, NC.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dionne; brothers, Pete, Billy Joe and Leo; and sisters, Facious and Clara.

He leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories for his son, Michael (Michelle) Leake of Charlotte, NC; daughters, Pam Leake of Dubai, UAE, and Dr. Karla Eanes of Pittsboro, NC; sister, Carol Morgan; brother, Reverend Larry Leake (Brenda); beloved grandchildren, Aaron, Kellen, Samara, Madysyn, Makenze, Cierra, and Kristian; and a host of nieces and nephews, along with his special friend and fellow adventurer, Barbara Hibbert.

Ernie enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, and perfecting his golf swing. His quiet wisdom, stories, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As we celebrate his life, we remember Ernie for the serenity he brought into our lives and the wisdom he imparted. Here’s to you, Ernie—may your days be peaceful, your golf swing true, and your jazz always smooth.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Pittsboro, NC