Mr. Earnest Dominique Lamont Gridine

Earnest Dominique Lamont Gridine, affectionately known as Ernie, was born on April 8, 1985, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On July 4, 2025, at the age of 40, Ernie departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

As a young child, Ernie relocated with his family to South Carolina, where he spent his formative years and completed his education. From a young age, Ernie possessed a warm, magnetic personality and a heart full of compassion. He was deeply devoted to his family and especially adored his nieces and nephews, treating each one with affection and pride.

To know Ernie was to love him. His vibrant presence lit up any room, and he had the rare ability to make people feel seen, heard, and appreciated. He was the kind of son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend that everyone was grateful to have known.

Ernie had a natural gift and passion for food, which led him to dedicate his life to the food service industry. He found not just a job but a purpose in his work, and he took great pride in his current role at McAlister’s Deli, where he was a beloved team member who looked forward to each day.

Ernie leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Marilyn Gridine, and father, Nathaniel Forman. He is survived by his siblings: Monica Jackson (Robert) of Jacksonville, FL; Roderick Gilliam (Mercedes) of Columbia, SC; Melanie Goodson of Columbia, SC; Nathaniel Forman Jr. (Sarah) of Browns Mills, NJ; LaRonn Fryar of Washington, DC; and Naesha Gridine of Columbia, SC.

He was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews: the late Roderick Anderson, Robert Jackson Jr., Travontae Anderson, Dashawn Gridine, Myazia Gridine, Taneta Davis, Makai Gridine, Lazahara Gridine, Reese Gilliam, Royce Gilliam, Nevaeh Forman, and Illissa Forman.

Ernie is also remembered by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends who were blessed by his spirit and touched by his kindness.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Ernie’s love, laughter, and light will forever live on in all of us. His memory will be a guiding force and a reminder of the joy he brought into the world.

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