Ernest Green, also known as FlapJack, EJ, and Big Ern, a native New Yorker, was born on December 3, 1938, in Savannah, Georgia, and departed this life on April 23, 2026, at his home in Wytheville, Virginia, surrounded by family.

The oldest child of Netherlie C. Brown, Ernest graduated from Alfred E. Beach High School, Class of 1956, and went on to study mathematics for three years at Savannah State College. After attending college, he moved to New York City, where he worked with his uncle at Diana Stores as a manager. During his time there, he met the love of his life, Lonnice (Poe) Green, and they were united in marriage on December 22, 1961. Following the closing of Diana Stores, Ernest became a manager at K-Mart Warehouse, where he later retired.

To their union, three children were born: Apryl, Kevin, and Vincent. Ernest was a dedicated member of the Astoria Long Island City (LIC) NAACP Branch for many years, where he received several awards for outstanding community service. He loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. Ernest was also an avid sports fan—his favorite teams were the New York Mets and the New York Knicks.

In the early 2000s, Ernest and Lonnice relocated to Wytheville, Virginia. In 2016, he was baptized and became a member of Antioch Greater Love Ministries in Marion, Virginia.

Ernest was preceded in death by his mother, Netherlie C. Brown; his stepfather, Harold Brown; his mother-in-love, Vivian Poe; and his great-grandson, AJ.

Left to cherish his legacy are his loving wife, Lonnice Green; his children, Apryl and Kenneth Johnson, Kevin Green, and Vincent and Shannon Green; grandchildren Antuan, Allen and Jamila, Jessica, Shareen, Chanel, Kevin Jr., Darnell, Toni, Justin, Ronald, Kyle, and Brandi; great-grandchildren Janiyah, Jayla, Jordyn, Josiah, Dyniera, Jasmine, Diyana, Jamel, Skylar, Saniye, Cameron, Jayvon, and Ter’ajh; honorary grandchildren Carter and The Brotherhood; sister Cynthia Baker; brother-in-love, Ronnie Poe; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and dear friends Jason and Tracey Kelley and Willie.

Ernest’s warmth, dedication, and love for his family and community will forever be remembered.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Restoration Church with District Elder Dr. Suzie Wright officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until service time. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 12th in West End Cemetery. 

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Green family.