William Michael Ellis

William Michael Ellis, 57, of Norman, was born October 25, 1954 to BJ and Robbie Nell (Horn) Ellis in Borger, TX. The family moved to Purcell, OK in 1968. He died Friday, December 16, 2011 in Hinton, OK.

Mike was an outstanding athlete for the Purcell Dragons. He lettered in football, basketball, and track. Mike was an all state tackle on the 1973 State Championship Purcell Dragon football team. He was highly recruited in the SW region upon graduation and accepted a scholarship to play football at SMU. He also played his final year at North Texas State University.

Mike worked for years in the oilfield including Oklahoma, Libya, Thailand, and Singapore. While in Singapore he met and married the love of his life Bajha Ellis. They then pursued a lifelong dream of raising a family on the water, and purchased their first home boat. Mike had a passion for the ocean and for boats. He lived life to the fullest and always had a special presence to him.

While in Singapore Mike and Bajha had their first son Baidyr Jeremiah Ellis, and had Mason Angus Ellis 16 months later. After moving to Florida the family lived cruising on a boat for 25 years. Mike and Bajha recently moved back to Oklahoma where he and the boys worked in the oilfield.

Mike was preceded in death by his father B.J. Ellis; and his mother’s second husband, Gordon Johannesen; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his wife Bajha of the home; sons Baidyr and Mason of Norman; mother Robbie Johannesen; sister Johnette Ellis of Norman; brother Mark and wife Amee and children of Purcell; niece Ashton Donn and husband Chris of Weatherford; and many other relatives and friends. “Chok dee”.

Arrangements are trusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service, www.primrosefuneralservice.com.