Ernie Melvin Firkin Sr., 78, of New Market, passed away on August 29, 2026 at his residence.

He was born on October 26, 1947 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the late David Lloyd George Firkin and Melva Catherine Jones Firkin.

Ernie attended Bucknell Elementary School and Groveton High School and later attended Bob Jones University.

He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 28 years of service as a mail carrier.

Ernie proudly served in Vietnam as a United States Marine and was awarded The Purple Heart. He also helped his parents at the Little Carryout Shop in New Market, where he met his wife, Debbie. Debbie also worked at the shop, and the first time she saw Ernie, all she could think was, "Wow!"

Ernie and Debbie were married on November 2, 1977, and shared nearly 49 years of marriage.

Together, they had three children; Ernie Jr. (Ashleigh), Robert (Mary) and Rebekah (Ryan). He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, whom he adored.

In addition to his immediate family, Ernie is survived by his siblings, Janet Gatton, David (Donna), Merle (Cathy), Linda Fry (Keith), Neil, Timmy (Leslie); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Warnie William, John Lester, Theresa Michelle and Judy Ann.

Ernie enjoyed spending time at the ocean, going to auctions, and most of all, reading his Bible.

If he were here today, he would ask, "Do you know the Lord as your personal savior?"

Pastor Brent Hockema will conduct a funeral service at Smith Creek Baptist Church in New Market on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.

Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rapidan Baptist Camp in Rochelle, VA.