Ernest Pickett III was born on October 20th, 1972, in Milwaukee WI, to the union of Violet Royster Pickett and Ernest Pickett, Jr.

 He was a very energetic, curious child, showing an early aptitude for music and all things mechanical, which led to a 20-year career in over-the-road trucking, and a hobby of working with local Milwaukee bands as a hip-hop and R&B DJ. He attended Milwaukee’s Vincent High School and Milwaukee Area Technical College, studying music production and mass communication. 

Ernest met his wife and soulmate Karen in 2011, and together they launched several successful businesses including a trucking company, K & E Motor Transportation; a party rental business, Big Shoals Bounce House Rentals; and a landscaping and lawn care service, A Cut Above Lawn Care. Ernest was a dedicated and driven entrepreneur, marketing each company well to ensure its success, and providing excellent service and customer care. Ernest and Karen left Milwaukee, WI in 2016, moving fi rst to Atlanta, GA and then to Muscle Shoals, AL to support their family–each time successfully re-launching their businesses in their new home. He had a strong determination to provide and leave a legacy for his family, his greatest joy and priority. 

Outside of work, Ernest enjoyed making and listening to music, and kept a small studio in his home where he created beats and songs. He joined Unity Lodge No. 46 Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affi liated, Sheffi eld Alabama, rising to the level of Master Mason, an accomplishment and affi liation he was extremely proud of. He loved being by the water, and often spent time sitting and refl ecting by the lakes and rivers near the areas he lived in. He loved any and all modes of transportation and enjoyed detailing and enhancing the appearance and performance of his vehicles. He had a great sense of humor and was always joking with his loved ones. He had a huge sweet tooth, loved seafood, especially crab and lobster, and was a lifetime learner, spending hours in study of various topics from world religion, history, natural phenomena, music production, social media marketing, vehicle and home repair.

 Ernest was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in July of 2025, and valiantly fought for his life until he finally succumbed to this disease on June 19, 2026.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his devoted wife Karen, two children, Isaiah Pickett and Deja Richardson Pickett, and two children through his marriage to Karen, Courtney Sprewer and Kamryn Sprewer; mother-in-law, Vera Thompson; as well as a host of family and friends. He also loved his two fur babies, Aspen and Snickers, who brought him joy in the fi nal years of his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Violet Royster Pickett; father, Ernest Pickett Jr.; and grandmother, Ethel Royster.