Ernie Alan Crain

Ernie Alan Crain, 74, of Carterville, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Ryan Tackett officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 27, 2023, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to the Carterville Athletic Department.

Ernie was born November 12, 1948, in Herrin, to Russell Ray and Vera Francine (Anglin) Crain. He married Sherry Williford on December 27, 1998, in Carterville.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Crain of Carbondale; children, Matt (Julie) Crain, Kelly (Tom) Webb, and Jason (Dana) Crain; step-son, Jeremy (Corinne) Schaefer; grandchildren, Zach Ury, Ryleigh Clover, Abbey Crain, Maddox Crain, Logan Webb, Mason Webb, Landrey Crain, Baylor Webb, and Violet Schaefer; sister, Rosie Penrod; sister-in-law, Barbara (Robert) Arnold; brother-in-law, Jake Rendleman; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vickie Lee Crain; brother-in-law, Phillip Penrod; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Rendleman.

He honorably served our country in the United States Army.

Ernie was a starter for the basketball team at Carterville High School from 1963-1966. He was named the MVP of the Black Diamond Conference his junior year. After high school, Ernie received a full ride scholarship to Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. He went on to lead his team to several tournaments and to a NCAA Division II tournament.  His senior year, Ernie was team captain and completed his collegiate career as the college’s #4 all time scorer, with 1,117 career points. Ernie was named Oglethorpe’s outstanding athlete in his final season, as well as chosen as most complete player by the Atlanta Tip Off Club. He was inducted as a member of the Oglethorpe University Basketball Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches’ Hall of Fame. Ernie was most proud of having the best free throw percentage, field goal shooter percentage, most ball recoveries, and most complete player.

Ernie was a dedicated teacher for over 37 years, having taught 5^th and 6^th grade math. He went on to serve as Principal at Cambria, Brookport, and Unity School District, and later as Superintendent of Jonesboro School District. He also served as an assistant coach at Carterville High School.                                                   

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Carterville.

In retirement Ernie enjoyed spending time attending his grandkids many sporting events and at his home in Florida.

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