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Ernest David Thigpen, Sr., loving husband of Mary Tomlinson Thigpen, passed away peacefully at his home on May 23, 2026, surrounded by his family at the age of 83. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 2 o'clock on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Bishopville, with The Rev. Jed Bryant officiating the service. The family will receive friends in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service and at other times at the residence. The Directors of Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home are caring for the family. He was born on October 16, 1942, to Rev. William Hugh and Bertha Corbett Thigpen in Clarendon County. He was the youngest child and loved being surrounded by such a large family his entire life. Ernest and Mary shared nearly 61 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love and devotion to one another. Together, they raised two children and were blessed with five grandchildren, all of whom adored him. During his life, he owned and operated Ernest Thigpen's Garage and Thigpen's Fire Ant and Weed Control, businesses that allowed him to serve and connect with people throughout the community. He also retired from REXAM Beverage Company after 25 years of service. An avid golfer, Ernest was a longtime member of Bishopville Country Club and later enjoyed competing on the Pee Dee Senior Golf Tour. When he was not on the golf course, he could often be found in his shop fixing things and was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends in need. After retirement, he faithfully served his church through his work on the Building and Grounds Committee at First Baptist Church of Bishopville. He was also a member of the Bishopville Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years. Ernest is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children, Lisa (Kelvin) Baker of Bishopville and David (Denise) Thigpen of Murrells Inlet. He was a proud and loving Papa to five grandchildren: Lauren (Matt) Griggs, Abby (John Wells) Baker, Lauren Dunman, Kate (Tripp Joye) Thigpen, and Collin Dunman. He was excitedly awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Baby Boy Griggs. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his seven siblings. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, Diane Jones and Kameron Smith, as well as the staff of Amedisys Hospice of Sumter, for the compassionate care they provided. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Bishopville, P.O. Box 144, Bishopville, SC 29010, or to Piedmont Cemetery, c/o Mr. John Broadway, 629 Spring Hill Road, Bishopville, SC 29010. Serving as Pallbearers will be John Wells Baker, Collin Dunman, Matt Griggs, Tripp Joye, Dennis Roberts, and Craig Thigpen.

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Mr. Ernest David Thigpen Sr.

October 16, 1942 - May 23, 2026