William George Ellis, Jr.

Born in Norfolk Virginia on March 30, 1940 to William George Ellis Sr. & Virginia Ellis. He married his beloved wife, Carol, in June of 1967 and together they shared 58 wonderful years together. Bill loved his family and he shared a passion for golf with several members and was able to enjoy many games and take two trips to The Masters with them. He also enjoyed cruising with the family and friends. Some highlights were trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, and even Northern Europe, with memorable visits to Sweden and Russia.

A proud American who followed his father into serving our country. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Reserves rising to the rank of Airman E-3 while still a senior in high school. While attending George Washington University in Washington DC he was part of the Air Force ROTC and continued his service in the US Navy and upon graduation was accepted to both the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School and The U.S. Air Force Officer Training ultimately choosing the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned in 1963. First serving as a Budget officer and then as a General’s Aide to Major General John McCoy. He was appointed to the Minuteman Missile Squadron at Minot AFB in North Dakota. He continued to serve as a missile officer throughout his career being stationed in California, The Pentagon, Andrews Air Force Base and in Florida finishing his career with the 6555th Titan III program. He continued working with the space program at both McDonnell Douglas and Boeing before retirement.

A lifetime of service in the Masonic Fraternity began in 1965 in Rialto, California. He was the 25th Worshipful Master of Merritt Island Lodge #353 in 1991 and served as District Deputy Grand Master, District Instructor and as Grand Orator in . In the York Rite he served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Florida in 2005. In 2025 he celebrated 60 years as a Master Mason.

Bill was a devoted father to sons Mark (Daune) and Rick (Heather), and a treasured grandfather to Carley, Sean (Kayla), Bryan, Sadie (Jason), and Dylan. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Kami, Isla, Tucker, Emmett, and Dallas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Virginia, his son, David, and his beloved wife Carol.

Bill’s love for his family, friends, his country and community will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of service, honor and dedication to those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation in Bill’s memory. https://www.ktef.org/donations-page

Visitation will be held at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953, on April 8, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service.

A Graveside Service will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Hwy 1, Mims, FL 32754, US, on April 9, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.