Donald Baxton Ellis

Don, or “The Big E” as he was known to many, was born May 4, 1941 in Henderson, NC to the late Bennie Joe Ellis and Mable Upchurch Ellis. The family spent time in Cary and Goldsboro before settling in Wilson, NC where Don graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School in 1959. Don excelled in football, basketball and baseball during his high school career. In his senior year the football team played in the state championship and were declared co-champions. He went on to play baseball as a left handed pitcher at Campbell University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Don fell in love with Vicki Webb during high school. Vicki, or his “Bride” as he always called her, was the love of his life. Don and Vicki married on August 22, 1964. Don and Vicki were inseparable and became the proud parents of Kimberly Ellis and Kristin Ellis and enjoyed a wonderful life together before Vicki’s passing on April 27, 1998. Don was a figure larger than life for his daughters, their husbands, his grandchildren and many of their friends over the past twenty four years.

The majority of Don’s career was with Hanes Hosiery/Leggs Products in Winston-Salem, NC. Don was a marketing and distribution executive with the company for many years and was responsible for taking Leggs Products to the west coast during the heyday of panty hose. After retirement he enjoyed working part-time at Jamestown Park Golf Course and Payroll Solutions.

Don enjoyed his family, golf, hunting, fishing and the beach. He was dedicated to his family and the eternal optimist in every situation. He was the life of every party and enjoyed telling stories of his childhood, his brothers, his friends and his family. He was very proud of his entire family, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Don is survived by his daughters Kim Ellis Hayes (Brad) of Greensboro and Kris Ellis Snyder (Mark) of Greensboro. Known as “Papa” after becoming a grandfather, he was an integral part of the lives of his grandchildren Sally Elizabeth Hayes (“Sally E”) (Washington, DC), Willam Bradley Hayes, Jr. (“Big Big Man”) (Durham, NC) and Isabelle Ellis Snyder (“Papa’s Princess”) (Greensboro). He will be greatly missed by his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and his entire family. Don is also survived by his brothers Ben Ellis (Diane) of Wake Forest, NC, Phil Ellis (Trish) of Wrightsville Beach, NC and George Ellis (Kathy) of Leland, NC. The four brothers were inseparable best friends and enjoyed each others company regularly.

A celebration of life gathering for Don will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Greensboro Country Club Farm Location, 5121 Hedrick Dr., Greensboro, North Carolina 27410.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Lung Association at www.lung.org.

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