Ernie Clyde Wisdom

Ernie Clyde Wisdom, age 73, Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Ernie was born on February 24, 1949, in Wellington, Texas, to Clyde Ernest Wisdom and Melba Dean Wilkerson. The oldest child had four younger siblings, James, Dennis, Timmy, and Janet. After graduating from Amarillo High School in 1967, he completed six months of college before coming to his senses. Instead, he embarked on a long and fulfilling career as a lineman and later as a distribution operator.

In December 1980, Ernie laid eyes on "a hussy in a black dress" at the Caravan in Albuquerque and asked her to dance. After sobering up the following day, he called that hussy, his future wife, Alta Wakefield, for a date. They married on May 1, 1982 and celebrated 40 years in 2022. Unable to remain idle, Ernie retired twice from PNM, first in 2015 and finally in 2021. They raised three rambunctious and bullheaded (like their father) children: Eric (Holly), Cate, and Jacob (Kate). Despite driving him nuts, he was extremely proud of them. Ernie was also a grandfather to Tyler and Bailey. He loved his many, many dog children-possibly more so than he did his actual human children and grandchildren (and to be sure, they understood and accepted this reality).

​Ernie was often at one of four locations: walking with his dogs along the Corrales ditch, shooting at the Del Norte Gun Club, fishing in the Bosque del Apache, or glued to his television watching the English Premier League on the weekends. He was an avid outdoorsman, a nationally-ranked steel silhouette shooter, a proud Life Member of the National Rifle Association, and a devoted fan of Liverpool Football Club. Ernie was a news junkie and was always ready to offer his opinion, even when not asked. His obstinance put mules to shame.

Yet despite his hard exterior, Ernie had a kind heart. If anyone needed help, he was the first to extend a hand. He was not a man who chased accolades or praise. Rather, he was one to serve and elevate his peers, both young and old. Ernie was a man of faith and found great comfort in his relationship with his Maker. He ferociously loved and remained loyal to his family and friends.

A Graduation to Glory Gathering will take place on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Westside.

Ernie specifically demanded no ties or suits, warning that he would personally haunt anyone who ignored this declaration. Please come celebrate his memory, share stories, and regale in the legend of Ernie Wisdom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Watermelon Mountain Ranch in Ernie's honor.