Dennis Ellis

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Friday, June 28, 2024. Mr. Dennis Earle Ellis, 75, loving husband of 53 years to Det Thi Ellis.

Mr. Ellis was born July 7, 1948 in Rangeley, Maine. He graduated from Mexico High School in Rumford, Maine in June 1966. Serving the United States Army for 22+ years beginning in 1968, Mr. Ellis reached Sergeant First Class. His final posting was 11 years as a Tactical Communications Chief at Fort Eisenhower, GA. Mr. Ellis was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, serving two and a half tours. While overseas, he endured having his helicopter shot down 3 different times behind enemy lines, having to fight through gun fire and hand to hand combat to return to US territory. While enlisted, Mr. Ellis earned the following awards:

▪ National Defense Service Medal

▪ Vietnam Service Medal (9 campaigns)

▪ Vietnam Campaign Medal

▪ Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm

▪ 6 O/S Bars

▪ Bronze Star Medal

▪ Aircraft Crewman Badge

▪ Air Medal

▪ Good Conduct Medal (6th Aircraft)

▪ Army Service Ribbon

▪ Overseas Service Ribbon

▪ Army Commendation Medal

▪ NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3)

▪ Expert: Rifle

After his lengthy military career, Mr. Ellis attended Philips Junior College where he earned his Associates Degree in Data Processing in 1992. With his degree, he became the Lead Traffic Engineer for Richmond County, Augusta, GA from 1989 to 2013. Mr. Ellis enjoyed nature and was an all-around outdoor sportsman with a passion for fishing, hunting, and skeet shooting. He participated annually in the Maine Moose hunt lottery and was fortunate enough to get to enjoy multiple hunts, trekking through the backwoods of Maine. Mr. Ellis also served as the Club Secretary, Range Officer, and Hunters Safety Training Instructor for the Fort Eisenhower Tactical Advantage Sportsman's Club where he instilled his passion for the outdoors to others, both peers and youth alike. 

Family members, in addition to his wife, include his daughters: LeeAnn Knebelsberger (Mark) and Erin Atkins (Ian); grandchildren: Alexis Ozanich (Cody) and Van Atkins; brother: Bruce Ellis; sisters: Kathy Drake, Jeanne Innes, and Lisa Churchhill McKenzie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Jeanette Ellis, and stepmother Arlene Ellis.

The family will receive friends Friday, July 5, 2024 from 1:00 until 1:30 P.M. with a Buddhist Ceremony from 1:30 until 2:00 P.M. with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with his brother, Bruce Ellis, officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.