Rollin Milton Ellis Jr.

Rollin Milton Ellis, Jr., of Westlake, was called home, on June 23, 2015.

He was born November 7, 1931 in Roscoe, Texas. His family returned to Rosa, Alabama that same year. Upon graduating from Cleveland High School, Rollin joined the U. S. Air Force. He served in Okinawa, Japan before being stationed at Chennault Air Force Base. He met Bernice Dunham at Bethel Baptist Church and they married on February 27, 1954. When discharged, April 1955, he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier. Rollin retired from the Cit-Con Refinery in 1997. He was often referred to as ‘Bama’ by his co-workers. Rollin enjoyed the many friendships he made over 42 years and often shared his memories with laughter.

He and Bernice reared their three daughters in Westlake: Teresa Chance (Doug), Lori Manuel (Russ), and Lynette Dewey (Steve).

Rollin was preceded in death by parents Rollin and Nannie Faust Ellis of Rosa, Alabama; three brothers: Lester of Cleveland, Alabama; Leslie and Kinard of Five Points, Alabama.

Rollin is survived by his wife, Bernice, of 61 years; three daughters; one grand-daughter: Rachal Chance of New Orleans; five grand-sons: Derek and Doug Peterson, both of Westlake; Daniel Peterson (Brooke) of Lake Charles; Joseph Clark (Alexis) of Moss Bluff; Nicholas Ackel of Lake Charles; six great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family living from Texas to Georgia and in between.

The arrangements will be directed by Hixson Funeral Home in Westlake followed by internment in the Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation will be June 25, 2015, 5:00 - 9:00 pm. The memorial service will be in the chapel June 26, 2015, 9:30. The chapel will open at 8:00 am.

Dr. Douglas Chance (son-in-law) will deliver the eulogy. Pallbearers will be Rollin’s five grandsons and two sons-in-law: Russ Manuel and Steve Dewey. Honorary Pallbearers will be nephews: H.C. Ellis of Blountsville, Alabama; Wayne Ellis of Five Points, Alabama; and Sheldon Dunham of Troup, Texas.

The family of Rollin Ellis would like to thank family, friends and many unnamed prayer warriors across multiple states who have called his name in prayer since his cancer diagnosis last November. Prayers were answered in the lives of those who were touched by his diagnosis. He never suffered any severe pain and his spirits remained positive through these last days. God did get the glory and the promise of answered prayers was realized each day. Sincere appreciation is expressed to the many physicians, nurses and staff who provided exceptional medical care and emotional comfort for our loved one. Doctors Michael Traub, Ricardo McCall, Mohammed Khan, MD Anderson Gastroenterology physicians, St. Patrick’s ATC nurses, Home Health and Hospice caregivers are to be commended. Their medical expertise was always evident, but their human spirit and compassion for the patient as an individual never wavered.

Rollin Milton Ellis Jr. will be missed by those whose lives he touched in his brief 83 years, but joyfully he went to meet his Savior and Lord for eternity. This heavenly homecoming date was set when he met his Savior in 1953 at Bethel Baptist Church. He was a longtime member of Westwood Baptist Church when he first moved to town and of First Baptist Westlake the past twenty years.

The family members of Rollin Milton Ellis, Jr. sincerely appreciate your expressions of love and covet your on-going prayers at this time. Flowers are beautiful, but for a season; therefore, it is our wish that any memorial donations are directed to a charity of your choice to honor our loved one’s memory. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.