Ernest was born December 23, 1943, in Tampa, Florida. Ernest Lee Gilyard "Rountree" was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gail Coachman-Gilyard; sons, Reggie Gilyard and Burttrain Broadnax; parents, Butte Rountree and Rutha Mae Gilyard-Gates; brothers, Willie James Jr., Weldon Rountree and Jackie Gilyard-Rountree. Ernest leaves to cherish his fond memories with devoted sons, Eric Gilyard-Muhammed, Mingie Rosebury, and Jonye Rosebury; daughters Yolanda, Tynique Gilyard, and Tina Wilson of Clearwater; grandchildren, A.J. McCarthon, Taniel and Brittany McCarthon, Eric Gilyard-Muhammad, Ramon Fitzgerald, Will Norman, Ravon Young, Regine, Lil Mingie and twins, Jonye and Jaylen; great grandchildren, Rayne, Lashae, Lilyian, Sheraldo, Sr., and Antwon; brothers, Eugene Gilyard-Rountree and wife, Cynthia; sisters, Carolyn Dicken and Sharon Dicken; and a host of nephews and nieces, especially, Tonya, Keisha and Sabrina; aunts, Leona Brantley-Rountree and Louvina Brantley-Rountree of Valdosta, GA; uncles, Ellis Rountree and Eugene Rountree of Miami, FL; very special friends, James Brock and Rennix Franklin; and a host of other family members and friends who will miss him.