Richard Douglass Ellis, age 80, of Bessemer, AL passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. He worked for RCA in connection with the NASA space flight program in the 1960’s at Turk Caycos Islands/West Indies. Later, he was employed with Loveman’s Department Store and was retired from Allegiance Medical Supply. Mr. Ellis was a member of Fairfield, AL Elk’s Lodge 1821. He was an accomplished artist who loved to paint and draw, and his other favorite pastimes included golf, NASCAR, and Alabama Crimson Tide football. Mr. Ellis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marsha A. Ellis; sister, Jean Summers(Hal); nieces, Sandy Reinhardt (Michael) Laurie Jackson (Allen), Ariana Arbo; nephews, Darryl Summers, Brian Cobb (Jennifer) and James Cobb; and beloved pets, Peanut, Inky, and Angus. The memorial celebration will be 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at the B.P.O.E. Elk’s Lodge #721 at 1313 4th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to ASPCA or a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, Birmingham, AL.
