Milton Hicks Ellis III

Milton was the son of the late Milton Hicks Ellis, Jr. and Margaret Harris Ellis. He was born in Clarksdale, MS on February 24, 1947. Milton graduated from East High School in Memphis, TN, class of 1964 and received a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Milton had a career in the pharmaceutical industry for 55 years that first took him to live in New Orleans, LA where he met his wife of 49 years, Mary Lynn Brumfield of New Roads, LA. Together they had 2 children, Milt and Caroline. His career moved them to New York, Delaware, Ohio, New Jersey, Sydney, Australia, and eventually back to Tennessee where they made many life-long friends along the way. He also had an employment agency in Nashville, TN for 20 years. During his career, Milton was twice honored with a Humanitarian Award by the National Organization for Rare Disorders for his efforts in bringing cures for rare diseases to those in need.

Milton was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and a cheerleader at the University of Tennessee. He loved his Tennessee Volunteers and was a lifelong supporter of athletics and academics and UT. Milton was an avid sailor and boater and loved spending time on the water whether on vacation or on his beloved Tennessee River. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and loyal friend to many. He lived life to the fullest until his final days.

Milton is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn, and daughter Caroline E. Durst (Frank), of Brentwood, TN; his sister Nancy Taylor (Don); his brother Bill Ellis (Carol); his 3 grandchildren Hadley, Frank, and Knox; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Milton Hicks Ellis IV and his brother Charles Hamilton Ellis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Francis Marion Durst V and Knox Ellis Durst.