Bobby Ray Ellis, son of the late Joseph Andrew and Ada Mae Pollard Ellis passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC surrounded by his family. Born on December 15, 1936 in Harnett County, Bobby was a retired US Postal employee and was the oldest of nine children. He joined the United States Air Force on September 1, 1956 and served until June 27, 1963. He married the love of this life, Mary Elizabeth McKinnon Ellis on November 11, 1961 at the Washington County, FL courthouse. Mary Elizabeth preceded him on May 4, 2019. Together they had a loving and wonderful life. They leave behind to cherish their memory daughters, Lisa Ann Walton and husband, Willis Grant of Willow Spring, Donna Lynn Ellis of Clayton; son, Bobby Ray Ellis, Jr, of Willow Spring; grandchildren, Samantha Leigh Walton and Joseph Andrew Walton both of Willow Spring; Tabitha Elizabeth Ellis of Clayton. In addition to his parents and wife, he is also preceded in death by his sisters, Nell Valerio and Sue Ellis.
He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Marjorie Parrish of Four Oaks, Betsy Langdon Daughtry and husband, Ted of Clayton and Faye Ray and her husband Walter of Garner; brothers, Jerry Ellis and wife, Judy of Smithfield, Doug Ellis and wife Frances of Clayton, Tommy Ellis and wife Brenda of Youngsville, sister-in-law, Betty Tuohy of Fayetteville and mother-in-law, Myrtle Diehl of Rockingham; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 4:00pm at Pinecrest Memorial Park with the family receiving friends following the service at McLaurin Funeral Home.
Family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Johnston Home Health and Hospice and the SECU Hospice House. While flowers are appreciated, memorial contributions may also be made to the Johnson Health Foundation, PO Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577 or to the SECU Hospice House, 426 Hospital Rd. Smithfield, NC 27577.
Online condolences may be made to the Ellis family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.
