Lawrence Earl Ellis (Larry) passed away suddenly Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He was born on January 22, 1947 in Pascagoula, MS. Larry attended Murphy High School in Mobile, AL where he was an All- State Football Player and Captain of his track team. In 1965, Larry earned a 4-year football scholarship to Auburn University where he was the starting fullback. His teammates became his brothers; who remain close to this day. You hear it all the time, Auburn truly is a family. Larry met his greatest love, Judy Evans Hays at Auburn University. They married in 1969. Larry graduated with a degree in Business.
Larry had a great love of music, particularly, Rock and Roll. In the 1970’s Larry opened and operated a record store in Mobile, Al. He and Judy had a daughter, Ashley Ellis, who was the light of his life. In the 1980’s, Larry moved to Mountain Brook, Al. He worked in industrial sales for almost 25 years.
In the mid 200’s. Larry’s beloved wife became ill with cancer. Throughout her battle, Larry and Ashley tirelessly took care of her and never left her side until she passed. Larry will forever be remembered for the stories he loved tell, to anyone who would listen. Most of all, Larry had a generous heart. He would give anyone the shirt of his back. Larry loved God, His family, friends, Auburn University and his country. He will be incredibly missed.
His wife, Judy Hays Ellis; his father, Aubrey Ellis; sister, Denise Ellis; Brother, Tommy Ellis and Special niece, Ann-Marie Graphos, preceded Larry in death. He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Ellis, who he so greatly loved and by his mother, Marzell Ellis; sister, Vita Ellis and a host of nieces, nephews and brothers in laws and sisters in laws. Special friends, Ernie and Cynthia Edlredge, Jerry Gordon, David Shelby, Pete Graphos, Don and Claudia Matthews, Tip Haugh, Dwight Hurston, The Bajjalieh family and Tone Howard. Father, Bob Sullivan, will read the eulogy. The service will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 3520 on June 20, 2020 from three o’clock to five o’clock in the afternoon.
In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: Auburn University Foundation, 317 S. College St., Auburn University, Al 36849; The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Boston University CTE Concussion Legacy Foundation, 361 Newbury ST, 5th Floor, Boston, MAS 02115
