Earnest Lee Johnson was born the first of three siblings to Nathanial and Emma Johnson on April 12, 1940, in Collierville, Tennessee. Earnest was raised in a loving and happy home.

Earnest was educated in Tennessee, and he worked on the family farm before and after school. Earnest later became a car enthusiast and enjoyed restoring antique collectible cars. He was a towering man who solemn spoke, but when he did, all listened. Earnest was a hardworking man, but when he found time to relax, he could be found with his dog fast asleep on his chest.

Some years later, he met and married the love of his life Kalzoria Calhoun, where he remained married, committed to the vows they promised each other on December 25, 1959. Earnest became an amazing step-father to Charles Calhoun Sr. Earnest loved his wife, family, and friends. He was known by many names such as; Dad, Dock Jr., Slim, Ernie, and Grandpa.

Earnest and Kalzoria relocated from Memphis, Tennessee, to Oakland, California, in 1965. Although he worked several jobs, nothing was more satisfying than him having his own business. He and his wife started their own Janitorial Service (Cal Ernie & Associates, Inc.) until 2001. Living in Oakland, he was indeed an avid Oakland A's fan and watched as many games as he could. Many years ago, Earnest actually tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher!

Over 30 years later, Earnest and Kalzoria returned to Tennessee to care for his mother, Emma, until she was called home. After taking care of his mother's affairs, Earnest and Kalzoria relocated to Los Angeles, California, to be near their son, Charles, and his wife, LaJuana. They settled down in Los Angeles to enjoy their retirement years together. Kalzoria preceded him in death on January 2, 2020.

Earnest was called home on March 18, 2021, while resting peacefully at St. John of God Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. He will join his wife Kalzoria, his parents Nathanial and Emma Johnson, sisters: Erma Johnson and Marie McMullen, his daughter Cynthia Merriweather, and daughter-in-law LaJuana Calhoun.

Earnest leaves behind to cherish his memory sons: Charles Calhoun Sr. and Carl Merriweather (Belinda); eight grandchildren: Charles Calhoun Jr., Shelli Calhoun, Michael Wiggins, Carlos Merriweather, DeAngelo Merriweather, DeAndre Merriweather, Amy Merriweather, and Centrell Hicks; goddaughter Samantha Polk, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.