Ellis Dwain Logans

LOVE - Ellis Dwain Logans

Ellis Dwain Logans was born on October 15, 1954, in San Diego, California. He was the eldest son of Ellis and Estella Mae Logans among his siblings Shelia, Darryl, and Sharon. The family later welcomed Denise and Abbie as bonus older sisters when his Dad married Bettye V. Although Ellis and his siblings moved from San Diego, some of his fondest memories were going back to visit his Aunt Ruby and her children. He loved his siblings and he loved his relatives!

15 Love - The Early Years

Ellis was a natural—he was smart (a high IQ), athletic, and full of energy. While in school he excelled in sports. As a teenager, Ellis’s athletic abilities shone brightly. He competed with the Junior Olympic track and field team, traveling by bus to races where he dominated the 100m and 200m events and took 2nd place in the long jump. That same year, he showcased his talent by winning the Southern California Pop Warner “Punt, Pass, and Kick’” contest. In 1967, his dedication and achievements earned him a Presidential Award from President Johnson—an honor he cherished.

30 Love - Finding His Path

After graduating from Bassett High School in La Puente, Ellis continued his studies at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Fullerton. His early twenties were a time of discovery, including his first marriage. He kept busy with odd jobs, including working as a "water man" for Sparkletts, but his personality shone brightest behind the mic at KFI radio, where he was known as "Ellis D. Best."

Ellis found his passion for tennis at Poinsettia Park in Los Angeles. He didn’t just play; he became really good, eventually leading to his coaching. Poinsettia became a second home, where he made lifelong friends, crossed paths with Black Hollywood, and most importantly, met Pamela, the love of his life, in 1981. Meeting her and her daughter, Shanda changed everything. It led Ellis to leave Los Angeles and make a fresh start in San Diego, where he and Pamela were married and went on to have two daughters, his pride and joy, Ellisabeth and Paige.

40 Love - Building His Legacy

In 1983, Ellis settled in San Diego. He started working with his uncles, Elmer and Eddie Logans, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon took over. He founded Logans Marketing, where he provided office supplies to local schools and government agencies. And he didn't stop there—Ellis also owned shoeshine stands all around San Diego, from the Hyatt to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. His knack for business helped him grow, eventually shifting to construction brokerage work in the early 2000s. He brought his pride as a Black man into spaces that needed his expertise, creating opportunities for himself and others.

For over 38 years, Ellis kept Logans Marketing running from downtown San Diego. He was always there. You may have seen him any given lunch hour breezing down Broadway on his scooter or he’d be in his office, ready to chat and maybe even rope you into some project or another. Many of us worked for Ellis, collaborated with him, or simply knew he’d always be around to lend a hand—or tell a story.

Game

Ellis worked hard, but he lived just as fully. He traveled to places like Egypt with his kids and cruised to ports near and far with his wife and sister-in-law. He even made solo road trips across the U.S., delivering cars to his daughters when they were in college.

Ellis discovered his love for tennis in the early 1970s and quickly became passionate about the game. He passed that passion on to his girls, encouraging others to play, often saying, "It’s the only game you can play well into your 80s!" Tennis gave Ellis the perfect excuse to travel, and he did just that, he traveled all over the United States with and without his daughters. Whether competing, spectating, or mentoring, Ellis was always involved. From the “Pacific Coast Tennis Championship” to the “American Tennis Association” and countless tournaments in between, he consistently showed up for tennis and all things Black, Excellence, Athletic, and Love.

As a dedicated member of the Mt. View Sports & Racquet Club in San Diego, Ellis served on the board in Junior Development, spearheading fundraisers and generously contributing to tennis-related causes. His mission was to give everyone—especially underprivileged youth with potential—the opportunity to experience what he believed was a lifelong key to happiness: tennis.

Set

Ellis was the kind of guy who was generous yet frugal, always ready to share his advice—whether you asked for it or not. He was a friend, a provider, a constant presence, and a support system for so many. He excelled in all he did, and above all, he loved his family deeply.

Though this is a huge loss for all who knew him, Ellis’ spirit and impact will live on. He was a force of nature, Mr. "Do what I say and what I do," and he lived his life with love.

Match

Ellis Dwain Logans was, without a doubt, “Thee Best” in the way only he could be. A devoted “Faja” to Shanda, Ellisabeth, and Paige, a proud grandfather to Chandler and Alex, a loving great-grandfather, brother, relative, and friend. He was an entrepreneur, a mentor, and so much more.

We will miss him greatly, but his legacy and love will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you Ellis, for all the memories, wisdom, and love.