Ernest Roy Olson - SAVANNAH - Ernest Roy Olson, 86 of Savannah, Ga, retired businessman and cable executive, died Sunday, November 20, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah. Ernie was born on October 18, 1930 in Richmond, Indiana to Edna Marie Victoria Wright and Einer Reinholdt Olsson. He matriculated at
Indiana University where he was the first man ever to serve twice as President of his Fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega (ATO). Upon graduation, he served in the
Army and then began his business career which included stints in Chicago, Cincinnati, New York and finally Atlanta. He retired from MetroVision, a Time Warner company as their Vice President of Marketing. As one of the early pioneers in cable, Ernie was well known throughout the industry and active in the cable association leadership. Ernie also remained active in his college fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, serving on their National Foundation Board of Directors. ATO continued to play a significant role in his life as his closest friends were ATOs, and his son, son-in-law and grandson all followed in his footsteps at their respective Universities. It was during his early career in Chicago at Avon where he first spied and eventually met and married the love of his life, Gloria Anne Mlekush. During their 53 years of marriage they lived by the motto, laissez les bons temps rouler! (let the good times roll). Their joy of life was most evident in the festive and themed parties they hosted frequently for family, friends, and business associates. He and Gleaux were avid collectors of Santa's, antiques and took great pride in restoring an 1860's farm house near the historic square in Marietta, GA. Their home became a favorite and known as the Santa House on the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. Ernie also enjoyed restoring furniture, fishing, anything Cajun and following LSU football. Ernie is survived by his wife Gloria (Gleaux), and son John (Ginger) of Southlake, TX and daughter Amy Carrell (Sam) of Des Moines, IA. He took great pride in his six grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as PaPa. Granddaughter's Camille Olson (Ole Miss), Victoria Olson (Southlake Carroll High School), and grandson's Quinn Carrell (Ole Miss), Noah Carrell (Drake), Harrison Carrell (Auburn) and Oliver Carrell (Des Moines Roosevelt High School). He was proceeded in death by his parents and his younger brother Richard. A celebration of life in the true laissez les bons temps rouler spirit will be planned for later. Memorials can be made in Ernie's honor to Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity Foundation, the Marietta Historical Society, or the Wounded Warrior Project. Please sign our guest book on-line at
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