Ernest P. Todd

Ernest Polk Todd, 62, passed away peacefully the morning of Thursday, December 18, 2025, in his childhood home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

He was born August 14, 1963, in Myrtle Beach, the younger of two sons by the late James and Loretta Todd. Having left Myrtle Beach as a young man, he had returned to his father’s home in 2022 to enjoy his retirement with his family.

He was a Navy veteran of 24 years, beginning his service in 1985 and retiring in 2009 as Master Chief Electronics Technician. During his service, he was predominantly responsible for the operation and maintenance of Nuclear Propulsion Units - sensitive work for which he was frequently commended and awarded.

After retiring from the Navy, he remained in the new family home he had established in southeastern Connecticut and began his teaching career, most notably teaching Pre-Electrical Engineering to the students of Norwich Technical High School for a cumulative 12 years while also teaching Electrical Engineering as an adjunct professor at Three Rivers Community College for 7 years. He then retired to Myrtle Beach, but even in retirement, he was always looking for a project; he spent his time remodeling his childhood home and building electric guitars for his friends and family.

Ernest is survived by his two sons, Joshua Allen Caroll Todd and Noah Alexander James Todd; his wife, Laneine Lynn Todd, and stepchildren, Alana and Anthony Nolte; his brother, James Wright Todd II; and Joshua’s wife, Kayla, and their daughters Mya and Ella.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home from 4 - 6 PM. Ernest will then be honored with a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a veteran support nonprofit of your choice.

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