William J. "Bill" Ellis

William J. “Bill” Ellis

Augusta, GA – On May 27, 2014, the Lord reached down from the heights of glory to lift his servant William J. “Bill” Ellis to his heavenly home. Born in Evansville, Indiana on March 17, 1924 (St. Patrick’s Day), and lived in the Augusta area for more than 60 years. He passed away in his home surrounded by the family that loved and adored him.

Bill completed a Marketing Degree at Northwestern University in 1965. He retired from C&S National Bank of Augusta after 31 years (1985) with a break of one and a half years to be president of the Citizens State Bank on Peach Orchard Road, an affiliate of C&S. He then offered his services to the United Way to head the Federal Campaign for three years. He was a highly admired and respected businessman by his peers from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Married for 68 years to Edith Julia Ellis and leaving behind four children: Karen Gayle Douglas (Carl) of Augusta, William Kent Ellis (Susie) of Augusta, Paul Gary Ellis (Kathy) of Douglasville, GA and Julia Elizabeth Collier (David) of Martinez; five grandchildren: Matthew Carl Douglas (Ashley) of Franklin, KY, William John Ellis (Cheryl) of Augusta, Mary Caroline Dye (Barry) of Evans, Nicole Collier and Logan Collier of Martinez; seven great grandchildren: Mason and Jaxson Douglas of Elizabethtown, KY, Elizabeth Douglas of Franklin, KY, Carter and John Ellis of Augusta and Charlotte and Nora Dye of Evans. He was predeceased by his parents William Russell Ellis and Daisy Ellis, Evansville, Indiana, brothers: Jack Ellis of Ocala, FL and Robert Ellis of Brookville, Illinois and grandson: Kevin Russell Douglas of Augusta.

Bill Ellis was a faithful and generous with his love for God, family, country and community. He was faithful to God as he served over 51 years as treasurer of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of North Augusta, SC and sang in the choir. He was faithful to his wife and family living by example. His faithfulness to his country was proven by serving as Gunner’s Mate in the Navy during WWII in the South Pacific and as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines during the Korean Conflict. He was a Purple Heart recipient for injuries received in the Chosin Reservoir Offensive in Korea. He was faithful to his community by serving in leadership capacities of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army of the CSRA, Augusta Chamber of Commerce, North Augusta and Richmond County Exchange Clubs, CSRA United Way, AUSA (Association of the US Army), Greater Augusta Advertising Club, Easter Seals, Augusta Builder’s Exchange, American Cancer Society, and served on the Savannah Export Expansion Council a division of the Department of Commerce of Washington, D.C..

Some of his favorite things were to watch storms from his carport, a good hotdog or cheeseburger, cold beer, warm sunny days on the patio, tennis, camping on the point at Clark’s Hill Lake and socializing with family and good friends.

A memorial service will be Saturday, May 31, 2014, 11:00 A.M. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1002 Carolina Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841.

Special thanks to the Alliance Hospice and Visiting Angels for their loving kindness.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a love offering to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1002 Carolina Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com