Ernest C. Smitherman, 52, of 608 Meridian St., a house painter, died unexpectedly at home.

A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., he had resided here 20 years.  He had attended school in New Castle and served with the U.S. Navy in World War II.

Survivors include four children, Mrs Sherry L Kelsay, Mrs Shirley A Randall, James Smitherman, all of New Castle and Charles A Smitherman of Anderson; his stepmother, Mrs Mildred Bays of New Castle; two brothers, Marvin of Cape Canaveral, Fla., and Anthony of New Castle; three sisters, Mrs Janet Knotts of New Castle, Margaret of California, and Joan of St. Louis, Mo.; and six grandchildren.

Graveside rites will be conducted Saturday at 11 a.m. at East Maplewood Cemetery by the Rev Lloyd Lambert.  The Brooks Memorial Mortuary is in charge.