JOHN BRANTLEY ELLIS JR.
Died May 1, 2005
John Brantley Ellis Jr., of Vinton, Va., passed away Thursday at the age of 83.
Mr. Ellis graduated from Goldsboro High School and attended Morehead State College. He joined the U.S. Navy at the onset of World War II and served in the Pacific Theater. He was a crew member aboard the U.S.S. Valley Forge Goodwill World Cruise in 1947-1948. He served with distinction until he was honorably discharged in 1964. He then went on to enjoy a second career at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Salem, Va.
After retirement, he mastered the art and science of square dancing, where he endeared himself to many dancers. He and his wife were members of the Moonlight Squares Square Dance Club. Dancing also allowed him and his beloved wife to see many of the states from Virginia to Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Brantley Ellis Sr., and Virginia Earp Ellis; son, David Alan Ellis; four brothers, Edward "Skinny" Ellis, Robert "Bobby" Ellis, Richard "Bud" Ellis, Thomas "Tommy" Ellis; sister, Carolyn Munn.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 and a half years, Frances Fields Ellis, who was his inspiration and reason for living; son, John Brantley Ellis III and wife, Wanda, of Johnson City, Tenn.; daughter, Beverly Ellis-Smith and husband, Gary Smith Sr., of Covington, Va.; three grandchildren, Jennifer Strilchuck and husband, Clayton, of South Dakota, Christopher Ellis and wife, Erica, of Somerset, Kent.; six brothers, Charles Ellis of Golsboro, Bill Ellis, of Washington State, Jimmy Ellis of Reno, Nav., Larry Ellis of Goldsboro, Jerry Ellis of Alabama, Steve Ellis of Rocky Mount; sister, Dottie Ellis of Nevada.
The funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Lotz Vinton Chapel in Vinton, Va., with the Rev. Carter Sloan officiating. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Culpeper National Cemetery, in Culpeper, Va. with military honors by the VFW Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will include members of the Moonlight Squares Dance club and close friends. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are being handled by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel, Va.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 4, 2008 2:09 PM