William M. Ellis

On September 1, 2016, the family of William M. Ellis, Jr. (Bill) lost their linchpin. Bill Ellis was born May 27, 1943 in Charleston, WV to the late Jean Campbell Ellis and William M. Ellis, Sr. The second of four children, Bill was constantly surrounded by those who loved him most. He met his best friend, Jim Perry, in fourth grade and their friendship continued to grow throughout their lives. Bill attended St. Albans High School and was an active part of the class activities even in his last days. At WVU he majored in Accounting and was a member of Delta Tau Delta.

After graduation, Bill served in the West Virginia Army National Guard. He then went to work with his father and uncle at Ellis and Ellis, CPAs, where he advanced to the position of managing partner. Bill worked tirelessly with his brothers, Michael and Mark, to carry on the family name. He served as President of the Charleston Chapter of the West Virginia Society of CPAs. Bill was later elected President of the West Virginia Society of CPAs, where he was honored with the Public Service Award in 1997 and a Life Membership Award in 2003. He also was a member of the Charleston Estate Planning Council, was appointed to and served as President of the WV Board of Accountancy and was appointed as a member of Council in the American Institute of CPAs.

Apart from his business activities, Bill was very active in the community. He led and served on numerous boards, including The Children's Home Society, Junior Achievement, Thomas Memorial Hospital, and the YMCA. He was a member of Rotary International. He was chairman of the CRC Foundation, the Poe Foundation and the Harper Foundation. At his home church of Village Chapel Presbyterian he was a trustee, a youth leader, and a long term usher.

Bill was always an active world traveler. He skied in Colorado, golfed at St. Andrews, hiked the West Highland Way, climbed Diamond Head, scaled the Aukland Bridge, kissed the Blarney Stone, pondered the Sistine Chapel, and left his mark on the Great Wall of China. But wherever they traveled, he was always ready to return to his first love, West Virginia. A mountaineer through and through, Bill was ever ready to join in singing the WVU fight song.

Bill, or Bill Jr. to most of us, was known by many other names: son, brother, Billy, Willy, boss, partner, Uncle Bill, Dad, Soaring Eagle, coach, and Papa Boo. Oh, and "What were you thinking?!" to his wife, Dianne. Often the life of a party, Bill would always raise a glass to those that were deserving, choosing to see the happiness that one's life could offer.

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dianne Sundstrom Ellis; 3 siblings, Sandra (Jerry) Alderson of Nashville TN, Michael (Barbara) Ellis of Charleston, and Mark (Debi) Ellis of St. Albans; daughter, Heather (David Hall) Ellis of Richmond, VA; daughter Marisa (Timothy) Schoening of Dublin, OH; 2 much-adored grandchildren, Eric and Julia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service and celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 2pm at Village Chapel Presbyterian Church, 3818 Venable Ave., Charleston 25304. A reception to visit with friends and family to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following: The Children's Home Society of West Virginia, attn: Director Development and Philanthropy, PO Box 2942 Charleston, WV 25330 or Village Chapel Presbyterian Church, 3818 Venable Ave., Charleston, WV 25304.

Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street.