T C Ellard Jr.

TC Ellard, Jr., 85, of Coppell, Texas passed away on March 24, 2024 surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 66 years Mary Jo, whom he affectionately called “Migo”.

TC was born in Austin, Texas on February 13, 1939 to Texas Clyde Ellard, Sr. and Folsom Merlin Brock. TC grew up first in Houston and then In Dallas where he lived with his grandparents George “Dado” and Rettie Brock. TC graduated from Crozier Technical High School in Dallas. It was there that he met the love of his life Mary Jo Manda. TC and Mary Jo were married on July 20, 1957 at St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas.

TC and Mary Jo welcomed their first-born Richard in 1957. TC joined the United States Navy and was stationed at the Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Mary Jo and Richard lived on nearby Sugar Loaf Key while TC served on the U.S.S. Francis M. Robinson. After TC’s honorable discharge from the Navy, he and Mary Jo lived in Dallas where they welcomed sons Jeff in 1962, Andy in 1965 and Todd in 1967. TC worked for Braniff International at Dallas Love Field Airport as a mechanic for 11 years. TC & Mary Jo moved their family to Irving, Texas and shortly thereafter welcomed their daughter Angela in 1969. TC loved to joke that it took having four boys before they finally had a girl.

While living in Irving, TC became a machinist and worked for his father-in-law’s machine shop Manda Machine Company in Dallas. TC acquired the company and was the owner. He was a member of the National Tooling and Machining Association. Upon retirement, TC’s sons Richard, Andy and Todd acquired Manda Machine; Andy and Todd are the current owners. All five of TC’s children worked at various times at Manda Machine, which TC was immensely proud of.

Before becoming Catholic, TC was a passionate member of the “Bass Fishing Church on the Lake” and the “Church of the Almighty Barbeque” on Sundays. He did read bible stories to his kids and helped get them ready before sending them off to mass with Mary Jo, telling them that they better behave or they would have to answer to him. TC became Catholic in 1993. He was baptized and confirmed with his five children serving as his godparents and sponsors, and received his fist communion from his dear friend of the family and priest Fr. Ron Groschen. TC and Mary Jo were long-time members of St Ann Parish Church in Coppell where they served as greeters. Anyone who walked into the West doors of the church knew TC because of his warm welcome. He loved to chat and made many friends at St Ann’s. TC and Mary Jo hosted a “Christmas” mass for family and friends at their home for many years celebrated by Fr Ron with their children and grandchildren serving various roles in the mass.

TC was an avid fisherman, an accomplished golfer, a maker of stained glass and a collector of Corvettes. He enjoyed golfing with his sons and family and played in and won many charity tournaments. He loved spending time at his lake house in East Texas where he and his Uncle Jack Brock did many building projects on the property including his outdoor cantina where he loved to barbecue and entertain. He enjoyed “farming” on his restored 1939 tractor and added a second seat so that his grandchildren could ride with him. Nothing made TC happier than being with his family, enjoying Fourth of July and New Year celebrations at the lake and Christmas in Coppell.

TC is preceded in death by his grandparents George & Rettie Brock, his father Texas Clyde Ellard, Sr., his mother Folsom Merlin Brock, his parents-in-law Joe and Mary Manda, his sister Virginia Davis and brother-in-law Bob Davis and his nephew Tony Davis.

TC is survived by his wife Mary Jo of Coppell, his son Richard of Irving, his son Jeff and wife Madeleine of Sugar Land, his son Andy and wife Stacy of Dallas, his son Todd and wife Lisa of The Colony, and daughter Angela and husband David of Ft. Worth, his grandchildren Elaine, Emily and husband Matt, Lindsey and husband Jordan, Nicole and husband Stephen, Amy, Joe, Zak, Ty, Manda, Abigail, Luke and great-grandchildren Hayes, June and Arlen, and niece Vicki Barrett of Jacksonville, Florida.

Visitation and a Rosary will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on April 3 at Calvary Hill Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am on April 4 at St Ann Catholic Parish, Coppell with TC’s and Mary Jo’s dear friend Fr. Henry Petter officiating. Committal will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery at 12:00 noon. A reception with lunch will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Pappasito’s Cantina, 10433 Lombardy Lane, Dallas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Ellard family.