Ernie Henry McGuinn, age 70 of Guage, Kentucky entered his Heavenly home on Monday, July 13, 2026 where he was joyfully reunited with the love of his life, Donna, at Heaven’s gates.
On May 3, 2026, Ernie made the most important decision of his life when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith brought him peace and the blessed assurance of eternal life, providing great comfort to those who loved him, knowing he is now whole, healed and forever in the presence of the Lord.
Ernie was a hardworking, humble and devoted man whose life was defined by his faith, unwavering love for his family, and exceptional work ethic. He retired after 42 years as a mechanic in the coal mining industry of Eastern Kentucky, where he earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike for his knowledge, dependability and unmatched ability to repair heavy equipment. He spent countless long days and many hours away from home, willingly making those sacrifices to provide for and care for the family he loved so dearly.
Above all else, Ernie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He shared 42 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Donna Collins McGuinn building a home founded on love, faith, and commitment. His greatest joy came from caring for his family and his quiet strength, generous heart and selfless spirit were evident in everything he did.
Blessed with remarkable mechanical ability, Ernie was known as the man who could fix just about anything. Whether it was a piece of mining equipment, an automobile, farm machinery, or something a neighbor thought was beyond repair, Ernie approached every task with patience, determination, and skill. His God-given talent blessed not only his family but countless friends and members of the community throughout the years.
When he wasn’t working, Ernie found peace in God’s creation. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished every opportunity to be outdoors. In years past, he enjoyed participating in hunting and fishing tournaments with friends. Many knew they could find him sitting along the creek bank or on the rock in front of his home with a fishing pole in hand, enjoying the quiet moments he loved so much. Deer and turkey seasons were among his favorite times of the year, and some of his most treasured memories were made teaching his grandchildren the traditions of hunting and fishing. He took great pride in passing along not only his knowledge of the outdoors but also the values of patience, respect, and appreciation for God’s creation.
Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Donna Collins McGuinn; his parents, Jesse and Gracie Caudill McGuinn; his paternal grandparents, Tom and Haley McGuinn; his maternal grandparents, Eddie and Nannie Caudill; his brothers, Tom, Isaac, James, Johnny, and Jesse “B-Roy” McGuinn; his sisters, Catherine Crase, Jackie Lou Reed, Nannie Jean Burton, and infant sisters, Jorita and Easter McGuinn; and one precious great-grandson, Liam Scott Gibson.
Left to cherish his memory are his five daughters: Ileana (Darren) Gray of Maryville, Tennessee; Kathy (Jerry) Fugate of Jackson, Kentucky; Tracy (Samuel) Lucas of Jackson, Kentucky; Tina (Thomas) Walker of Frankfort, Kentucky; and Angela (Tony) Fraley of Jackson, Kentucky.
He is also survived by his 11 cherished grandchildren: Dakota Lucas, Dylan Lucas, Cierra Patton, Brianna Gillespie, Timothy Gross, Michael Gross, Bethany Adams, Erin Adams, Waylon Adams, Hannah Gray, and Noah Gray.
His legacy continues through his nine beloved great-grandchildren: Audrey Lucas, Addie Lucas, Noah Patton, Matthew Patton, Paisley Thompson, Landon Thompson, Chandler Skye Gray, Landon Jordan, and Kendall Francis.
Also left to cherish his memory are his special companion, Irene Clemons; his faithful companion and beloved pet, Little Girl; his sisters, Mary Ann (David) Turner, Brenda Barger, and Linda McIntosh, all of Jackson, Kentucky; his brother, Bobby Jay McGuinn of Jackson, Kentucky; two special nephews, Darrel McGuinn and Floyd Russell, Jr. (“Bubby”); special nieces, Barbie Walker and Shellie Cleary; his special cousin, Brenda Pugh; and many cherished friends, including Bub Arthur Johnson, Robert Caines, Jeff Prater, and George and Tonya Miller.
He is also survived by his extended family: Pauline Johnson, Corbett “CJ” Clemons, Cheryl Robertson, Whitney Francis, Sydney Curtsinger, Jamie Clemons, Reed Clemons, and Katie Clemons.
Ernie’s legacy is one of hard work, humility, generosity, unwavering love, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his wisdom, his example, and the countless memories he created through a lifetime of faithful devotion. While his presence will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the promise of God’s Word, knowing that because of his decision to follow Christ, they will one day be reunited with him.
Although his earthly work is finished, his greatest reward has just begun. We take comfort in knowing he has laid down his tools, entered into eternal rest, and has heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
His memory will forever live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Breathitt Funeral Home with his funeral service to be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026 with Pastors David Fletcher and Harry Hale officiating.
Burial will follow in the Big Lovely Cemetery on Highway 30 East.
Serving as pallbearers will be Darren Gray, Jerry Fugate, Samuel Lucas, Thomas Walker, Dakota Lucas, Dylan Lucas, Michael Gross, and Timothy Gross.
Honorary pallbearers will be David Scott Gibson, Jordan Hutchinson, Bub Arthur Johnson, and Jeff Prater.
