Louis Tuffly Ellis, 95, of Houston, passed away on his birthday, Monday, January 3, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Tuffly Ellis was born January 3, 1927 at St. Joseph’s hospital in Houston, Texas to Louise Cornelia Tuffly Ellis and Thomas Fordtran Ellis. Tuffly had two brothers, Thomas Fordtran Ellis, Jr., and Billie John Ellis, and one sister, Margaret Mary “Peggy” Ellis Everts.
He was baptized at Holy Rosary with his first communion and confirmation at St. Mary’s in Houston. Tuffly graduated from Kirwin High School, Galveston, Texas. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 joining the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program in 1944. WWII Victory in Europe (VE) occurred and he was sent to Rutgers University, then finishing basic at Camp Pickett, Virginia. He was there in Virginia for Victory over Japan (VJ) day. In February, 1946, Tuffly was transferred to Kitzingen, Germany into the Army of Occupation. He loved travelling especially in Europe. He travelled the world, loving people, cultures, and history, and his faith.
In 1949, Tuffly received his BBA degree from the University of Texas and his MBA from the University of Houston in 1952. Tuffly attended St. Mary’s Seminary for 5 years and continued to be very faithful to our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ. He then joined the faculty of history at Sacred Heart Dominican College. In 1960-61, Tuffly taught at the University of Houston. Tuffly received his PhD in Philosophy in 1964 from the University of Texas. His dissertation was more than 500 pages entitled “Texas Cotton Compress Industry: A History”. This dissertation can be found at the Houston Public Library and the Galveston Public Library. He loved to research, document history, and teach. He taught at Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, and Lamar University before joining the teaching staff at the University of Texas where he was the Texas History Professor for 24 years to 1990. He was editor of the historical journal, the “Southwestern Historical Quarterly” for many years. After holding several positions at the Texas State Historical Association, he then held an eight-year tenure as director from 1977 to 1985. He sought to develop and maintain higher standards with a more scholarly course for the Association by broadening its base writings, raising its visibility to the public, and strengthening it financially by soliciting many large donations. He was also a large benefactor to several Catholic orders, churches and universities. Tuffly was a generous and thoughtful gentleman that loved family, friends, and most of all, his Catholic faith as a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Also, “Uncle” Tuffly loved nature including all things of Texas; bluebonnets, yellow roses, pecans and cotton, and longhorns.
Survived by many Nieces and Nephews, all whom loved him dearly including Jack Richard Everts (Mary), Claudia Sue Everts Goldman (Gary), Beth Louise Everts McCarry, Donald Robert Everts (Claire), Margaret Mary “Mimi” Everts Nordin (Bobby), Carolyn Ellis Apodaca (Ted), Connie Ellis Perez (Bill), Billie J Ellis Jr (Joy), Joan Ellis Cox (Larry), Linda Ellis Brown, Tommy Ellis (Kathy), LuAnn Ellis White (Rex).
Preceded in death by Parents Louise Cornelia Tuffly Ellis and Thomas Fordtran Ellis, Sister Margaret Mary “Peggy” Ellis Everts, and Brothers Tommy Ellis Jr and Billie J. Ellis, and his grand-niece, Sarah Ellis Davenport and grand-nephew, Ryan Patrick McCarry.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Regina Caeli Catholic Parish (reginacaeliparish.org), 8121 Breen Dr, Houston, TX 77064.
Family and friends of Dr. L. Tuffly Ellis are welcome to attend the vigil on Friday, January 21 at 5:30pm at Earthman Hunters Creek, 8303 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024. The formal vigil with the Rosary will begin at 6:30pm. A Solemn High Requiem Mass will be offered on Saturday, January 22th at 11:00am at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1618 Texas St, Houston, TX 77003 followed by Burial at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023. The Mass and burial services will be led by Father Charles Van Vliet. Pallbearers include William Ellis, Stephen Ellis, John Davenport, and Paul Davenport, Sati Yuksek, Bailey Everts.
