Ernest Bryant Fugate III

December 18, 1960 - May 10, 2026

Portsmouth Resident

F. C. Daehler Mortuary

Ernest Bryant Fugate III, 65, passed away on May 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born December 18, 1960, to Ernest Fugate and Mary Ellen Richards.

Ernest was happiest when he was with his grandchildren, who were truly the light of his life. He loved riding his electric bike all over and could often be found out enjoying the day on two wheels. Music of all kinds was a constant in his life, and he shared that love freely with those around him.

He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Crystal Fugate, whom he could not wait to see again; his daughter, Judy Fugate; his brother, Winford Fugate; his parents, Ernest Fugate and Mary Ellen Richards; and his sisters, Terina Barney and Bobbi Richards.

Ernest is survived by his son, Justin Fugate of Lakewood, CO; his daughters, Teia (Franscisco) DeLeon of New Boston, Michelle (Todd) Knittel of Portsmouth, and Melynda (Arturo) Valdivia of Portsmouth; his brother, Steven Fugate of Columbus; and his sisters, Regina (Chuck) Rowland of South Shore, KY, and Sabrina Wood of Miami, FL. He is also survived by his older grandchildren, Haley Riley, Paris Rodriguez, and Jasmine Kerns; six younger grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, all of whom he loved deeply.

Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Ernest or condolences for his family.