William Valkus (Bill) Ellison passed away Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 at 6:00AM from a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was 64 years young. He was surrounded at the time of his passing by family, his wife Deborah of 43 years, his son Gus, daughter Jessica-Tanner, son-in-law Nathan and his mother Sarah.
Bills biggest passion was his family, especially his children. He was proud of them every minute of of his life. He was an accomplished and talented musician and professional photographer.
Bill toured the country with his best friend who was like a brother to him, George Shearin and their band, Spring Creek for six years during the 1970's and early 80's. Before he got ill he was the "Senior" member of the local band, Straight Tequila Night. He loved playing guitars and has a collection to prove it. He loved performing music and truly enjoyed playing guitars with his son, Gus.
Bill also had a passion for photography and worked at the Granada Theater for over 15 years as the Granada Photographer. He photographed hundreds of bands, musicians, performers and celebrities over the years. Some of his photos were published on album covers and in magazines. The Granada Theater Staff were Bill's second family and he deeply cared about all of them.
Bill loved and cherished the time he spent going on photo shoots with his daughter, Jessica-Tanner.
Bill touched many lives while he was on this earth and he will never be forgotten. Bill was one of a kind and there will never be anyone like him. His sense of humor was just one of his many amazing qualities and it was present throughout his entire struggle.
Bill will be truly missed by all and his memory will live on in all of us.
Bill was survived by: Wife, Deborah Coyne Ellison;
Son, Gus Coyne Ellison;
Daughter, Jessica Tanner Ellison-Davis and husband Nathan Cole Davis;
Mother, Sarah Valkus Coursey;
Brother, Bob Coursey and wife Brenda Coursey;
Brother, Jim Ellison and wife Cindy Ellison;
Father and Mother-in-Law, Tom and Delores Coyne;
Niece, Colleen Walter and husband David Walter;
Family Members who proceeded Bill in death:
Father, Robert Terrell Coursey;
Grandparents, Gus B. Valkus and Lucy Tanner Valkus; and
Sister-in-Law, Angela Coursey
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