Willie R. Ellis

SANDUSKY — Willie R. Ellis, 81, of Sandusky, passed away late Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14, 2020, in the Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, after a brief illness. Born in Madison, in Boone County, West Virginia, the son of Wilburn and Ida Pearl (Baisden) Ellis. He was a veteran, having served honorably in the U.S. Army. For over 40 years, he had driven truck, and, for most of those years, he was on the road until his later years. He had driven for some local companies. He loved being with family and friends, but he will be remembered by his family how he always looked for ways to stay busy by working on projects or just things in particular. For over 50 years, Willie had been an avid bowler and instructor of the sport. He was recognized for his accomplishments by being inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Sandusky U.S.B.C, in April 2017 as a recipient of the "Meritorious Service Award" for his service and devotion to the game of bowling. He was a member of the Teamsters. Willie is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley J. (Lentz) Ellis; his two daughters, Jamie Ross of Sandusky and Patty Nolan of Bidwell, Ohio; three grandchildren, Todd (Krystal) Ross, Mandi (Zack) Moore and Casey Jones; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mollie (Tom) Bontrager of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; a brother, Joe Ellis of Lorida, Florida; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Nellie Ellis in infancy and Mary Vance; and two brothers, Walter and Charles Ellis. Visitation will take place 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, from at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Due to the COVID-19 health concerns, wearing of masks (they will be offered) and social distancing will be mandatory. If you are uneasy about attending, please feel free to leave a message to the family on the website. Funeral services will take place 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, at the funeral home. Rev. Tim E. Holt, of A Fresh Wind Church, will officiate. Entombment will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Stein Hospice, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870. Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Willie's family at davidfkoch.com.