Ernest “Ernie” William Stegall, affectionately known as “Grumpy” by his four grandchildren, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was surrounded by his devoted family before and during his passing.

Ernie was born on June 24, 1939, in Warrenton, North Carolina. He graduated from John Graham High School in 1958. Shortly after, he began his career in the transportation industry with Creech’s Auto in Norlina in 1961. After a brief time in Raleigh, Ernie relocated to Charlotte in 1967 to serve as National Parts Manager with Strick Trailer. Charlotte became Ernie’s lifelong home, where he raised his family and built his own successful business, Fleet Equipment Inc., which opened its doors in 1980. Now owned and operated by his son, Fleet Equipment was an important part of Ernie’s life and legacy. True to his nature, Ernie remained “semi—but mostly—retired” until his passing.

Ernie was an avid reader who made friends wherever he went. He loved the outdoors and animals, often spending time feeding the birds and deer outside his home. Throughout his life he had many dogs, each of whom he adored. Above all else, Ernie loved his family and especially cherished his role as a devoted father and grandfather.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Butler Stegall and Carrie Stevenson Stegall, his brothers Robert M. Stegall and Harry V. Stegall, and nephews Harry V. Stegall Jr. and Tommy Wayne Stegall.

He is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Linda Capps Stegall of Charlotte, North Carolina; his two children, Kimberly S. McGirt (Robert) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Douglas E. Stegall (Lesia) of Terrell, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Casey E. Stegall of Charlotte, North Carolina, Amy S. Hanberry (Tyler) of Mountain Brook, Alabama, Michelle K. Dunlop (George) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Christopher R. McGirt of Charlotte, North Carolina; nephews Robert M. Stegall and Michael H. Stegall; and his nieces, June S. Bartlett and Susan S. Friedlander.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208.