Ernie Segars is a native of Laurens County, from the Cross Hill community. His mother, Sarah Segars, taught history for many years in Laurens County schools and Ernie developed an appreciation for history, particularly in the State of South  Carolina and in his native Laurens County. Ernie graduated from Laurens High School and attended Wofford College, where he studied under Dr. Lewis P. Jones, a native of Laurens County and a historian of national repute. Ernie graduated from Wofford College, where he was selected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received a Master's degree from the University of South Carolina and he worked as a reporter and editor for the Clinton Chronicle before beginning a career in public service in 1980. He was hired as the chief administrative officer for Laurens County in 1988 and he retired from that position in 2016, after almost 28 years of service.