Ernest Rodney Shifflett, father of 7, grandfather to 15 died peacefully in his home Tuesday, June 17th after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Survived by his sisters Betty Anne, June, and brother Russell "Butch". Mr. Shifflett was born March 16, 1935 in Elkton, Virginia. After graduating valedictorian from high school in Clinton, Maryland. Mr. Shifflett attended George Washington University on a full schlorship graduating with a degree in History. Going on to work in the earliest days of mainframe computing, he became a pioneer in the field of Computer Science while working for the railroad, defense, and aerospace industries.

In the mid 1970's Ernie moved to the Lompoc area and returned in 1997 to retire in the community he loved. He was an active Chamber of Commerce volunteer and participated in local reading, bridge, and poetry groups.

As a young man, Ernie was a strong athlete enjoying baseball, softball, basketball, bowling, and golf. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening. One of his great loves was gourmet cooking and some of his happiest times were serving as chef and host for gatherings of friends and family. Ernie was a fine writer with many poems published locally and an exceptional bridge player earning the distinction of Lifetime Master. He played several times a week with local bridge groups up until the week of his passing.
Ernie's collection of poems and blog can be read on-line at http://ernieshifflett.wordpress.com

A memory service will be held at Starbuck-Lind mortuary in Lompoc on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. In accordance with his wishes the family asks donations be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.