- Date Of Death: October 21, 2016
- State: New Mexico
Ernest Ray Hazelwood was born February 25, 1927 near Sadler, Grayson County, Texas to Willie C. Hazelwood and Zora Inez (Souther) Hazelwood. He was the youngest of three boys. He died Friday, October 21, 2016 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He lived in and around Sherman, Texas until he was 15 years old when he moved to Bishop, California. After he completed his Junior year of high school, in June 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He continued his Naval service until July 1973 at which time he retired as a Lieutenant. His Naval career afforded an opportunity to serve on nine ships during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. His principal job was Navigator. He also served on shore duty in Naval Recruiting and Career Counseling in the U.S. and Staff Duty overseas. His medals include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct (4 awards) and nine additional campaign awards covering WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Blockade. After retirement he returned to Albuquerque and became active in the Masonic Fraternity. He was a 60 year Mason and served as Master of three Lodges, He was District Deputy Grand Master in 1979 and 1980 and in 1989 he was Grand Master of Masons in New Mexico. He was a Charter member of five Lodges in New Mexico and served as Master of two of those. Ernie was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and member of York Rite, Shrine, National Sojourners, Red Cross of Constantine, Rosicrucian, Royal Order of Scotland and a Life member of the American Legion and National Rifle Association. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Carl and Claude Hazelwood. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bean Hazelwood of Edgewood, NM. He has two daughters from his previous marriage, Carol Ann Kulokowski and Debbie Hazelwood Woolford of Virginia Beach, VA; one grandson, Mark J. Marcus and wife, Ann, and one great granddaughter, Carly Marcus of Virginia Beach, VA. Ernie liked to tell stories and his ongoing New Year’s resolution was to leave a person with a smile on their face, which he tried to always do. Having joined the Navy before graduation from high school he had a strong desire to get his high school diploma. He attained this wish after sixty years in September 2005 receiving his diploma from Bishop Union High School in his class’ sixtieth reunion.
