Though words can never fully capture a life so deeply loved, we celebrate the memory of Earnest Lee Bizzell and the countless ways he touched those around him. Born on February 1, 1946, in West Greene, Alabama, to Linnie and Jack Bizzell, Earnest was one of eight children. As the son of sharecroppers, he learned early about the values that would shape his life: hard work, loyalty, perseverance, Christianity and the importance of family. He accepted Christ early in life as a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in West Greene, Alabama and was later a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

Earnest had a strong desire for knowledge and a quiet determination to forge his own path. He attended Alabama A&M University, a school he would hold dear for the rest of his life. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1968. His pride in A&M never faded. It was a part of who he was. It was there that he forged long lasting bonds with other alumni members in service and served many years as the President of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter. As an undergraduate, he crossed the burning sands as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Building on this foundation, Earnest continued his education at Ohio University earning and a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering. He became the first African American to earn an advanced degree through the school’s College of Engineering. After completing his degrees, Earnest had a distinguished career at AT&T for nearly 40 years. He approached his work with the same steady integrity that characterized every aspect of his life.

Throughout his life, he remained committed to service and regularly volunteered to tutor students from the local community in mathematics.

Above all, Earnest was a true family man. No distance was too far, and no drive was too long for the people he loved. Many will forever remember his effortless 12 plus hour road trips, packed up and heading toward family without a second thought. Showing up wasn’t something he debated; it was simply who he was. Family gatherings were never complete without Earnest, his grilled chicken, and his ribs – just to name a few delicacies. His unwavering devotion reached beyond his household and into every friendship he held. Earnest’s laid-back spirit drew people to him, and his sense of humor kept them close. He never needed to be

the loudest voice in the room — his warmth did all the talking. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and everyone who crossed his path was better for it.

Earnest was a natural competitor with a love for sports. He played football, tennis, softball, and volleyball. A devoted fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns, and Guardians he cheered his teams through heartbreaks and triumphs alike. He established his home in the Village of Highland Hills, Ohio. A trailblazer who never bragged, a provider who never kept tally, and a man whose presence was a true gift—that is how we remember Earnest Bizzell.

Earnest is survived by his children: Dané Austin, Kimberlee Dawkins (Ronald), and Kenyon Bizzell (Kandrea); his grandchildren: Rachel Austin, Jason Austin (Lilly), Jaden Dawkins, Kenyon Bizzell II, Bryce Dawkins, Karrington Bizzell, and Peyton Dawkins; his brother, James Bizzell (Reena); and his sister, Bernice Carey, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Linnie and Jack Bizzell, and siblings Lettie B. Cameron, Woodrow Hudson, Bessie Bizzell, Jack Bizzell and Reola Bizzell.