Thompson Harman Funeral Home
Ernest "Ernie" Leslie Brumage of Middletown, Maryland, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 7, 1958, near Burlington, West Virginia, to the late Ernest Leslie Brumage and Dorothy Mae (Leatherman) Brumage.
Ernie grew up farming alongside his grandfather and fondly recalled his memories of working with cattle and horses. He became a skilled automotive mechanic and worked for many years at Spaid's Ford Dealership in Capon Bridge, West Virginia. During this time, Ernie learned to fly airplanes and worked as an aviation mechanic at the Grant County Airport in Petersburg, West Virginia. After moving to Maryland, he worked for the United States Department of Energy and then as a cross-country truck driver for Hoffman Transport. During this time, he taught trucking courses at Hagerstown Community College. His last job, which he particularly enjoyed, was driving school buses for Frederick County Public Schools.
Bluegrass music was Ernie's passion. He was self-taught and mastered the guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. For many years, he was a member of the Buck Ridge Bluegrass Band in West Virginia. He also loved the outdoors, hunting, and taking road trips with his family to visit the Eastern Shore. Ernie served with distinction as a member of the Capon Bridge Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. In 1988, he was named the department's Fireman of the Year.
Ernie is survived by his wife Sheila Mae (Taulton) Brumage and his children Jody Michael Brumage and Alison Michelle Brumage (and Chris Choy). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Dottie and Mary-Lou Brumage, half-brothers Ernest D. and Robert L. Brumage, and half-sister Freda Thompson.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the many caregivers who helped Ernie navigate various health matters in the last few months: Emily, Renee, Mack, Sammi, Diane, and Gabriella at Autumn Lake Glade Valley; Erik, Vanessa, Paula, and especially Nicole with Home Call, and Tina and Trish with Frederick County Hospice.
A graveside service will be held at Locust Valley Bible Church Cemetery at 1323 Marker Road, Middletown, Maryland, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Ernie's memory to be made to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Burkittsville, Maryland. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Harman Funeral Home, Middletown.
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