Ernest “Ernie” A. Cordray, age 71 of Granville passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 6, 1955, in Newark, Ohio to the late Dan A. and Charlotte J. (Hill) Cordray.

A graduate of Granville High School, Ernie was involved in wrestling and a member of the Granville High School and Licking County 4-H bands. He also helped coach wrestling at Granville School as well as drove school bus for Granville.

He was a member of the Water’s Edge Assembly of God in Newark, where he was actively involved with the worship group including playing, directing and writing music. Ernie also worked for several local farmers and eventually started his own business, Down to Earth Excavating.

Ernie is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Jo (Kocik) Cordray; son, David Cordray; daughters, Audrey (Stu) Coe, Anna (Joel) Richeson; seven grandchildren, Bailey Cordray-Davis, Virginia and Olivia Cordray, Johannah & Noah Coe, Ben & Charlotte Richeson; sisters, Jean Hazellief, Connie (Chuck) Grissom, Joyce (Tim) Blackstone; mother-in-law, Barbara Kocik Gage; sisters-in-laws, Susan Long, Julie Fryman and Monica (Michael) McBride; several nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Ernie and his family. Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.