Ellis Blair Chenault

He is survived by Carol, his wife of 32 years, two sons, Christopher Randle Payne of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jason Payne of Decatur, three granddaughters; and a brother, Stephen Maples Chenault of Florence.

Ellis attended Decatur High School, Class of 1967, and Marion Military Institute where he was a member of the White Knights Precision Drill Team. He served in the United States Navy. He attended The University of North Alabama, where he completed a B.S. Degree in business and photography. He was dedicated to his family, business, and community. Following graduation from UNA in 1980 he returned to Decatur and opened Chenault Studios on Moulton Street. Additionally, Ellis taught photography at Calhoun Community College. He was a member of the Professional Photographers of America, the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association and the Profession Photographers of Mississippi and Alabama. He received multiple awards and honors from these organizations. In the Decatur community, Ellis was a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur having served as a past President, and was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Decatur. Also, a Rotary Scholarship to the Career Academies of Decatur was established in his honor. Additionally, he served on boards of directors of the Princess Theater, Animal Friends, Operation Home, Crisis Services of North Alabama, the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, United Way of Decatur and the Architectural Review Board of the City of Decatur.

His funeral will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church at half past two on July 26, 2025 with burial to follow in the Decatur City Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church library beginning at noon. Memorial gifts may be given to Hospice of the Valley, St. John's Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.