Ernest William Harless Jr.

Ernest William Harless Jr., age 79, of St. Albans, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026. Born and raised in the Julian/Lory communities of West Virginia, Ernest carried with him throughout his life the values of faith, family, hard work, kindness, and integrity. Ernest was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His greatest pride was not found in possessions or accomplishments, but in the family he loved so deeply and the life he worked so hard to provide for them. He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where his faith was an important part of who he was. Ernest lived his faith not only through his words, but through the way he treated others—with kindness, humility, generosity, and a willingness to help. Ernest dedicated many years of his working life to Appalachian Power Company as a Motor Winder. He was a man with an extraordinary work ethic who took pride in doing things the right way. He possessed many skills and had a natural ability to teach those skills to others. His children and grandchildren will carry with them the lessons he taught—not only about how to fix, build, and accomplish things, but about responsibility, perseverance, and doing your best. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Joan Harless; daughters, Teressa Harless-Vannoy (Tim)and Christy Harless; son, Greg Harless (Melanie); grandchildren, Austin Harless (Jade), Hannah Harless, and Logan Harless (McKenzie); great-grandchildren, Opal, Wesley and Hattie Harless; sister, Judith Kay Harless-Ross (Doug); and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest William and Caroline Grace Griffith-Harless; brother, Estell Joe Harless (Dorothy); sisters, Carol Sue Harless-Parrott (Bobby Lee) and Sharron Deene Harless. His Brother-in-law, David Arnold Roberts, whom he loved dearly. Ernest leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years or possessions. His greatest legacy is found in the people he loved, the lives he touched, the knowledge he passed down, and the example he set. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of his family. His work here is finished. His faith has carried him home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor Craig Gillenwater officiating. Entombment will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. You may visit Ernest’ tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Harless family.

Ernest William Harless Jr.

November 14, 1946 - August 30, 2026