Ellis Vernon Cruse, Jr., age 98, went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on October 13, 2019. He was a native of Birmingham and lived in the Woodlawn and Vestavia communities for most of his life. His life story depicts his definite inclusion as one of “The Greatest Generation.” After graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1939, he attended the University of Alabama, then enlisted in the Army in 1942. Always dreaming to fly, on November 10, 1942, Ellis graduated from flight school in the Army Air Corps. Later he went to Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia before heading into the South Pacific in 1944. He flew in the Air Service Command and tested aircraft that had been repaired to make sure they were flight-worthy, including the P-38, P-51, B-24, B-25, and C-47. His time in the South Pacific included 8 combat missions, as well as numerous risky cargo missions to poorly mapped islands throughout the Pacific.
After WW2, he obtained a law degree from the University of Alabama Law School, then re-enlisted to serve his country in the Korean War. Flying dangerous reconnaissance missions in the RB-26, he accumulated over 2200 hours of flight time. When recently interviewed about his combat missions he recounted the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and perilous landings on carriers. In one incredible incident, he maneuvered a plane to a safe set down with only one flying wheel intact. In his later years he retired from flying saying, “Flying is strictly a young man’s business.” But he went on to become an avid builder, innovator, and operator of historically accurate model aircraft, and enjoyed greatly the friendships he built with his fellow “pilots”. Until his retirement in 1981, he was a lawyer for the Department of Labor, serving for 35 years.
Mr. Cruse was an active member of the Briarwood Presbyterian Church, faithfully attending his Sunday “Joyful Hearts” class and other Bible study groups. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and great uncle. He was the son of Ellis V. Cruse, Sr. and Jessie Lee Hodges, and the brother of Norma Cruse Scott (Paul), all of Birmingham. He is survived by his niece Lee Anne Cagle Pinkard (Jerry) of Auburn and 3 nephews: John P. Scott, Jr. (Mary) of Birmingham, Robert V. Scott (Valerie) of Atlanta, and Richard C. Scott (Lusi) of Atlanta.
A visitation will occur Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 35211. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at 0411, 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35211.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the CRUSE family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6