Ernie grew up on a farm in Travis County, approximately seven miles southeast of Austin, Texas.  The farm, located on Dee Gabriel Collins Road, has been owned and operated by members of the Collins family since the late 1800’s and has been recognized by the state of Texas for owning and operating the farm for over 100 consecutive years.  He is one of eleven children born to the late Talferd and Ella Collins.  Hard work and education were top priorities for the family and all the children were supported and encouraged to take full advantage of educational opportunities.  As a result, all eleven children graduated from high school and all attended college.

Ernie attended Prairie View A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and has additional studies toward an MBA at Texas Southern University. Upon graduation he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.  While at Prairie View, Ernie met the lady of his dreams, Floretta Brown.  Prior to reporting for officer’s basic training in artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Ernie and Flo were married in her hometown of Bay City, Texas.

He served two years in the Army as a training officer at Fort Ord, California and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1969.  Also in 1969, he joined Humble Oil and Refining Company, now ExxonMobil in Denver, Colorado.  Ernie worked in various marketing staff and management positions and in 2003, he retired after 34 years of service.