Ermal Tackett

Ermal Tackett, 85, of Harold, KY, passed away on April 3, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Ermal is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Nell Davis Tackett; two devoted children, Sherry (Larry) Kimbler and Ernie (Traci) Tackett;  his five grandchildren, Dale (Amy) Kimbler, Brad (Robin) Kimbler, Stacy (Michael) Ratliff, Coby (Hannah) Tackett and Carter (Haley) Tackett; and seven great-grandchildren, Bethany Kimbler, Cameron Kimbler, Carson Ratliff, Alex Kimbler, Mattie Ratliff, Andrew Kimbler, and Wyatt Ratliff.  He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Ermal was preceded in death by his parents; Emma and Greenbird Tackett, brothers; Willie Tackett, Richard Tackett, Donnie Tackett, Joe Lykens, Tolva Lykens, Emmitt Tackett, sisters; Flora Frasure, Stella Branham, Alva Sanders, Clara Clark, Myrtle Tackett.

Ermal was born on December 26, 1936 to Emma and Greenbird Tackett. After he graduated from Betsy Layne High School in 1956, he immediately went to work. He valued working hard as evidenced by his many different jobs.  He sold vacuum cleaners, drove coal trucks, cut right of way for the gas company, operated heavy equipment, laid water, gas and electrical lines before serving his community as Magistrate for 17 years.  He retired from this role in 2003. 

Ermal will always be remembered as having a servant heart and compassion for others.  As Magistrate, he would make sure he was home each night to take calls from his constituents who might need his assistance.  He kept a list of the needs that were brought to his attention and made sure to attend to each one as quickly as possible. 

Another trait that we hold dear is his role as peacemaker.  Ermal did not like strife among his siblings or other family members and frequently advised us to, “Just say nothing” when possible.  He was quick witted and always used humor to lighten the mood when situations became tense.

Finally, Ermal will be remembered for his faith in Christ.  He was saved and then baptized at Betsy Layne Freewill Baptist Church on July 13, 2006.  As his illness progressed and nurses frequented the home, he would often tell them his childhood memory of attending an Old Regular Baptist Church with his mother.  Each week a lady would enter the church shouting, “Sweet Jesus, I’m not ashamed to praise your name, I’ll praise your name above everything, Sweet Jesus.” This was Ermal’s way of sharing his faith with those he met.

As much as we will miss his nostalgic stories, sound advice, and familiar jokes, we are happier knowing that he is no longer suffering and we are thankful for the assurance that he is now in heaven. 

 Funeral service will be conducted Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Betsy Layne Freewill Baptist Church with Barry Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Davidson Memorial Gardens, Ivel, KY. Visitation is after 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Church with Hall Funeral Home caring for those arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Betsy Layne Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund.

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