Ernest T. "Ernie" Seneca (Deceased), Raleigh, NC North Carolina

In Memory

Ernest T. "Ernie" Seneca

Ernest Tyer Seneca
August 24, 1961 - November 9, 2012
Raleigh
Ernest Tyer Seneca 51, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 9, 2012 after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer. Ernie was born in Virginia Beach, VA on August 24, 1961 but spent most of his life in Raleigh, NC. He graduated from Broughton High School and went on to North Carolina State University (NCSU) where he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and an emphasis in Journalism. He began his writing career at NCSU by writing for the Technician, the student newspaper. After graduation he worked for three newspapers in eastern NC. He credited his job with the Washington Daily News as where he really learned to write. Next he was editor of a monthly magazine for a national used car dealer organization.
Then he entered state government as a Public Information Officer in the Dept. of Agriculture under the late Jim Devine and the late Commission Jim Graham. From there he moved to the Division of Water Quality under Tommy Stevens (in DENR) where he covered the state's efforts to curb waste discharges from hog farms and municipal sewage treatment systems. Next he served as Deputy Press Secretary in the Governor's Office under Michael Easley. He then became Director of Communications for the Dept. of Transportation under Lyndo Tippett. His last position was that of Director of Communications for the Dept. of Public Safety under Reuben Young. Members of this organization could not have been more supportive during his difficult CHEMO treatments and recovery times. He just about wore out his cell phone and blackberry keeping in touch with his co-workers. During this time in state government Ernie became an excellent writer and editor as those who worked with him can attest.
His writing skills were evidenced by several awards. He received the NC Association of Government Information Officers' Excellence in Communications Award for speech writing in 2009 and 2011 and for news releases in 1993, 1998 and 2003. In 1986 he was presented the NC Society of County and Local Historians' Dr. D.T. Smithwick Award for his account of a Civil War hero, General Bryan Grimes from Pitt County.
One of Ernie's greatest attributes was that he loved people, to interact with others, and do his job with the state of NC to the best of his abilities. Just how much his friends and co-workers thought of him has been evidenced during his cancer treatments. The family is deeply appreciative for all this support.
Aside from work, Ernie deeply loved to hunt and fish. Time spent in the woods, fields, lakes, streams, and the ocean with his wife, dad, brother-in-law, uncle, and special friends left lasting memories of happy times.
To say that he loved to cook would be an extreme understatement. He dearly loved to cook and his charcoal venison was some of the best his family and friends ever tasted. He was always planning the next evening meal and looking forward to special events that highlighted his culinary skills.
Lastly, Ernie and his wife Julie loved to travel and they visited the Caribbean island of Tortola, the Vegas strip, "The Big Apple", Seattle, Vancouver, and Alaska. They loved to kayak along the Outer Banks, try out new restaurants, and entertain in their home. Julie feels blessed to have shared part of her life with Ernie and feels deeply the loss of her best friend and soul mate.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Julie Galloway Seneca, his parents Ernest and Peggy Seneca, his sister, Sheila Seneca Choplin and her husband Wayne Lewis Choplin. A nephew, Eric Seneca Choplin and his wife Hope, and a niece, Elizabeth Preddy Choplin constitute Ernie's immediate family.
The family expresses appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the UNC Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill for their professional and compassionate interaction with Ernie. The staff at the Wake County Hospice Center on Trinity Road and home care Hospice personnel could not have been more compassionate and attentive to Ernie. We extend our thanks to everyone for their love and support to Ernie and his family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., November 15 at St. Paul's Christian Church at 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, 27607. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Paul's Christian Church or Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, in memory of Ernie.

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