Ernest E. Ross "Hodie"

Ernest Eugene Ross better known as Hodie was born on November 4, 1951 to the late Ernestine Ross and Nathaniel Harris in Cleveland Ohio. He was an only child. 

Hodie was baptized at the age of five years old at Olivet Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio on January 4, 1957.  

Hodie, was a PROUD graduate from East Tech High School class of 1970. He was an all-star athlete, specializing in hoops. He played basketball for several institutions, but two of the more memorable ones were at Akron University during the 1971-1972 school year, better known as “The Season” and Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. One of his proudest moments, was when his 1975 Le Moyne squad, won their first Division III NCAA championship. He also played in the OLD TIMER’S league in Cleveland, Ohio for over 20 years.  

Hodie never married, but he was blessed to have three children: Cherise Cody from Leona Cody, Eric Ross from Wanda Thomas and Santana Eppinger from Cynthia Eppinger.   

Throughout the years, he worked all over the city. Some of his more notable jobs were, a Youth Counselor during the summers of Cleveland. BOWNE was a shipping company, where held the position of Delivery Driver.  His last job was with CMHA as a Janitorial employee.  

Hodie, A “Hood” socialite, was able to make friends and light up a room, wherever he went. With his quick wit, most thought of him as an underground comedian. He would have you laughing for days, thinking about some of the things he would say.  Up until last month, even though he was 69, he believed he could still play a pick-up game of basketball. One of his favorite hangout spots was the Wolf’s Den. He considered the Den a second, or during some seasons, his FIRST HOME.   

Hodie leaves to cherish his loving memories with his three children Cherise Cody, Eric (Denise) Ross, and Santana Eppinger, his Uncle Isaac “Sonny”(Diane) Smith III, two granddaughters Ashaunie Farmer and Rayven Ross, first cousins Dolly, Mark (Porcia) Mainor, Isaac Smith IV, Lisa Smith and a host of close family and friends.   

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