Fred Louis Ellis

Fred Louis Ellis, age 78 of Hickory went home to the Lord on Sunday May 29, 2016 at his home. He was born on November 22, 1937 in Greensboro to Lonzo and Lillie Ellis and came to Catawba County in 1941. In 1959 Fred married Dora Herman and together they raised 2 children. He worked for the City of Hickory for 20 years and had many different titles during his career. Fred was a fan of all sports and enjoyed going to the races at Hickory Speedway and cheering on the Crawdads. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always had a smile in his heart. Fred is survived by his daughter, Veronica Pennell and husband Rodney of Hickory; sisters, Betty Landis of Mt. View and Pat Ellis of Newton; brothers, Thomas Ellis of Hickory and Charles Ellis of Hickory; grandchildren, Ryne Pennell of Hickory and Stephanie Ellis of Ottumwa, Iowa. Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Dora Herman Ellis; son, Steve Ellis; brothers, John, Jim, Jack, Bob, Frank, Mack, Ernie and sister, Elsie. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 pm, Thursday June 2, 2016 at Catawba Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Correll officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 1, from 5pm to 7:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Fred to the Hickory Firefighters Association, 2425 N. Center St., Hickory NC 28601. Words of comfort for the family may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.