Ernest Oliver Barganier

Ernest Oliver Barganier, 81, of Montgomery, Alabama was born August 1, 1934 to Oliver Barganier, Sr. and Mary B. Cook. He made his transition June 2, 2016. Ernest graduated from the Crenshaw County Training Academy in Luverne, Alabama before joining the U.S. Army in 1950. After receiving his honorable discharge, he worked at the Peanut Mill in Luverne, and then attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After graduation, he served briefly as a high school math teacher and then started his 27 year career at IBM. In 1969, he was one of only five African-American engineers selected to work on the first manned mission to the moon at Cape Canaveral. Ernest was responsible for Apollo 11’s rocket alignment and trajectory which required high mathematical skills. Throughout his career at IBM, he worked at 3 locations: starting in Poughkeepsie, New York, then moving to Manassas, Virginia, and concluding his career in Tucson, AZ and retiring in 1992. He was an active member in the IBM club and coached the local softball team where he furnished their equipment and uniforms. After his retirement from IBM, he returned to Montgomery, Alabama to join his college friend, Paul Bracey, in Bracey Vending (retiring in 2007). Ernest was very active in his community, a staunch Democrat, and enjoyed his civic involvement greatly. He loved sports (especially the Washington Redskins) and served as an umpire for local baseball and referee for local basketball leagues. He was extremely good at poker and billiards, winning numerous tournaments in Las Vegas and locally in Montgomery, AL. He loved visiting family, but hated to fly. Luckily, he loved driving and listening to Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green as he drove across the country to visit everyone. It was important to him to stay connected to his roots throughout Luverne, Greenville, and Montgomery Alabama. Ernest was a talented photographer and videographer, capturing special family moments especially during the holidays and for the Mary B. Richburg family reunion from 1965 to 2010. Ernest was a man of few words but with a big heart, and his generosity was 2nd to none. He showed this through his dedication to his daughter, mother, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. He was always willing to help as family and friendship was incredibly important to him; always a true gentleman. He also had many nicknames: affectionately called “Baby” from his mother, “Buck” from his high school and college friends, “Mr. Ernie” from his neighbors and staff at the various restaurants be visited, and “Unc” or “Uncle Ernest” from his nieces and nephews. Cherished father of Angela Barganier Phillips (Michael) of Cincinnati, Ohio. Beloved grandfather of Brandon and Bryce Phillips, also of Cincinnati. Doting brother of Edith Furman (Roy, dec.) of Louisville, Kentucky and Gladys Tazwell (Lawrence) of Youngstown, Ohio. Treasured uncle of a host of nieces and nephews, including John Rostic (aka Chubby) and Samuel who were his travel partners and Samuel later becoming his caregiver when he became ill. Preceded in death by his parents: Oliver Sr. and Mary, his siblings: John Lee, Mary Velma, and Jesse Milton and his nephew Chubby. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ernest Oliver Barganier please visit our Sympathy Store.