FRANKLIN — Jesse Ernest “J.E.” Stieh, 86, passed away on May 11, 2018, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

J.E. was a native of Southampton County and was a son of the late Willie Frederick and Nanny Gay Stieh, and was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Laura Newsome Stieh. He was also predeceased by all his siblings.

J.E. was a 1951 graduate of Ivor High School, and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict era.

He was a retired papermaker with Union Camp Corporation, and a longtime Hunterdale Fireman.

J.E. was a member and former deacon at Black Creek Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Ernest Lauren Stieh (Jude;) his daughter, Nancy Ellen Stieh; four grandchildren, Ernest Lauren Stieh (Natalie,) John Morgan Stieh, Joseph Griffith (Sandy) and Tony Griffith (Jessica;) 11 great-grandchildren, Will, Hannah, Alex, Josh, Zach, Elijah, Trinity, Micah, Sarah, D.J. and Ronnie Rose; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, in Black Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Curtis Faison officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church, and suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Black Creek Baptist Church or the Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.