Ernest Grady Constance, 81, of Columbus passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 in the Hospice House of Carolina Foothills, Landrum. Born in Polk County, he was the son of the late Edwin and Adelina Pittman Constance. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked at Firestone Steel Products in Spartanburg, S.C. for approximately 12 years and later with Barnette Southern and Tryon Estates. Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Mossine Plumley Constance of the home; two daughters, Diane and Denise Constance both of Columbus; one step-daughter, Judy Hefner (Gary) of Spartanburg, S.C., and a step-son Mike Greene (Di) of Columbus; two brothers, Neil Constance of Mooresville, N.C. and Jamie Constance of Georgetown, S.C.; two sisters, Myrna Edwards of Tryon and Joanne Wanciak of Rutherfordton, N.C. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Brian Hefner, Stacy Owens, Brittany Ross, Cassidy Bailey, Carrie and Jamie Greene, and Kristin Wade; and five great-grandchildren, Brendan, Hannah, Mason, Ben and Sam. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Constance. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon with Rev. Chuck Mullinax officiating. Burial will be in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus. Family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon. An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com