He was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 24, 1943, to John Lester Ellison and Beatrice Pemberton.
John graduated from W. H. Adamson High School, and married Jean Ellison on February 23, 1964. Together they had a wonderful life and family.
He had a 36 year career as a Firefighter with the Dallas Fire Department, of which he was very proud.
John also enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking, baking and dining out, spending time outdoors fishing and jeeping, and was generous with his time volunteering at the Rock Hill Baptist Church and at the Food Pantry.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
John is survived by his beloved wife Jean Ellison, daughters Jill Howeth and Jennifer Ellison, son-in-law Tandy Howeth, and grandsons Cole Howeth and Lane Howeth.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 201, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park.