A native of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Dave was born on July 15, 1923, to the late Rachel Bingham and Gilliam Ellis. He served two tours of duty with the U.S. Navy during World War II, engaging in many critical battles in the Pacific aboard the USS Salt Lake City. He attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he met his loving wife, Jean Norton Ellis; they married November 26, 1947, and spent more than 70 years together. Dave enjoyed golfing, woodworking and travel, especially cross-country camping trips with his family. He spent his entire career working for Southern Bell Telephone Company (later to become AT&T).
Dave is survived by his brother, Jack Ellis; daughters, Nancy Ellis Cooper (Doug), and Cathy Ellis Anderson (Bruce); and granddaughter, Kelsey Jean Anderson (Tom Cyrs). He was predeceased by his wife, Jean; three other brothers and one sister: Gilliam, William (Homer), James and Nancy Ellis. Dave will also be remembered by several nieces and nephews.
He will be laid to rest in Hazel Cemetery, Bell Buckle, TN. Interment services will be private. Those who so desire may make donations in his memory to Birmingham AIDS Outreach. (Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 59514, Birmingham, AL 35259.)
