Mr. Willie B. Ellis' Obituary
WILLIE B. ELLIS was born on January 25, 1934 to the late Pe/lie Driver Ellis and the Reverend Tom Ellis. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age at West Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Mr. Ellis was a Class of 1952 graduate of Lebanon High School in Collinsville, MS. Shortly after completing high school, his love for his country lead him to enlist in the United States Army where he served from August 9, 1956 until November 4, 1957. Mr. Ellis was an entrepreneur. He owned Lion Service Station in Meridian, MS in the early 1970's, a franchise of Lion Oil Company. He was also one of the original owners of The Hole in the Wall Tavern in Meridian, MS. His love for his community lead him to be a longtime coach for girls softball and boys baseball. Later in the 1970 's, he relocated to Youngstown, Ohio to be closer to family. There, he embarked on a new career as a professional truck, driver for twenty-five plus years until his health declined. He received awards for driving one million plus safe miles. In May 2010, due to continued declining health, he returned to the South and plated roots in Demopolis, AL. On Sunday, January 8, 2023, at James T. Champion Nursing FaciUty in Meridian, MS, God honorably discharged Willie B. Ellis from his earthly mission. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pellie Driver Ellis and Reverend Tom Ellis; his son: Michael Baskin; grandson: AaKkeem Hudnall; brothers: George Ellis, Herbert Ellis, Reuben Ellis, Luther Ellis and Emmitt Ellis; and sister: Josie Greer. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Rosia Jones (Charles), Janice Henley-Walker (Marcus); Retired Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Baskin (Anita), Jacqueline Raby (Kenneth), and Michael Moore; 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends who will miss him dearly.
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