In Loving Memory of Ernest Hockaday III

Ernest Hockaday III was born on March 25, 1954, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Ernest Hockaday II and Maggie Louise James, whose love and legacy shaped the foundation of his life. At just five years old, Ernest and his family relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the seeds of his faith and future calling began to take root. The family later moved to Denver, Colorado, where much of his life’s journey would unfold.

During his teenage years, Ernest faced one of the darkest valleys of his life. Overwhelmed and burdened, he stood on the brink of ending it all. But God intervened. In that moment of despair, Ernest encountered the sustaining power of love — the love described in 1 Corinthians 13 as patient, kind, enduring, and unfailing. That divine love rescued him, restored him, and became the very message he would dedicate his life to preaching.

As a teenager at Zion Temple, Ernest’s gifts quickly became evident and his commitment to service was unwavering. He faithfully served as Young People’s President, church drummer, Sunday School teacher, Sunday night service teacher, Bible study teacher, church bus driver, and baptized many into the faith. Even in his youth, he was already shepherding hearts. His passion for ministry resonated in every drumbeat, every lesson taught, and every mile driven to ensure others made it safely to worship.

On June 10, 1978, he married his wonderful wife, Deborah Robinson. This loving union was blessed with three beautiful children, who became one of his greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. His devotion to his family was evident in the way he provided, protected, encouraged, and prayed over them.

While faithfully serving in ministry, Ernest also built a distinguished professional career. He worked for 30 years in telecommunications — beginning with Mountain Bell, continuing through US West and Qwest, and ultimately CenturyLink, now known as Lumen. Through diligence and excellence, he earned multiple certifications in IT, leadership, and management, steadily rising through the ranks and retiring as an IT Project Manager. His professionalism, integrity, and leadership in the workplace mirrored the same values he demonstrated in ministry.

In April 1995, Ernest departed Zion Temple, stepping boldly into his pastoral calling, and founded Emmanuel Temple Apostolic the following month. The church was later renamed and is currently known as Emmanuel Temple. For 31 years, he faithfully served as pastor and district elder, touching countless lives with wisdom, humility, and compassion. At Emmanuel Temple, he licensed and certified ministers through the Colorado State Council, led impactful prison ministry efforts, organized cherished Memorial Day picnics, served the community at the Taste of Colorado for roughly 15 years, and baptized many while mentoring generations of believers. One of the most remarkable highlights of his ministry was being invited to speak about Jesus at a Muslim mosque — an uncommon and honorable opportunity. His message of love and respect resonated so deeply that he was mentioned in their community news publications, demonstrating his heart to build bridges where others saw barriers. After retiring from his professional career, he devoted himself fully to pastoral service, pouring even more of his time and heart into the work of the Lord. If there was a need, he met it. If there was a burden, he prayed through it. If there was a celebration, he showed up — often with something warm and homemade to share.

Beyond the pulpit, Ernest was a man of deep faith and simple joys. He loved cooking and was especially known for his legendary macaroni and cheese. He had a sweet love for chocolate and enjoyed movies, with favorites including Passenger 57, Independence Day, and National Treasure. He delighted in creating CD mixtapes for church members, thoughtfully selecting songs to uplift and encourage their spirits. Above all, he cherished his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving companion, Deborah; three beloved children, Rachelle (Corey), Janiece (Mark), and Ernest Hockaday IV; six treasured grandchildren, Samoane, Isaiah, Caleb, Naomi, Phoebe, and August; his siblings, Brenda Patterson (Jerome), Arnita Woolfolk, Carlton Hockaday, Nathan Hockaday, Doug Hockaday (Glenda), Kathy Hockaday, and Morris Felders (Kim); and a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

Ernest Hockaday III lived a life transformed by grace. A young man once standing at the edge of despair became a pastor who inspired many, restored hope, and preached love without boundaries. Carrying forward a heritage of strength and faith first modeled by his mother, Evangelist Maggie Hockaday, he proved that love never fails, that purpose can rise from pain, and that one surrendered life can impact generations. His sermons echo in the lives he baptized, his prayers live on in the families he strengthened, and his love remains in every heart he touched.

Well done, good and faithful servant.