Robert was born in Gastonia, NC, and graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1949. He worked in the textile industry in NC, SC, and VA until his retirement. He was an active member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
He was preceded in his death by his wife Sarah Jane Phipps Ellis and two sisters, Ernestine Lambert and Helen McGee.
Robert is survived by: three children Janet Childers (Joe), Charles Ellis (Audrey), and John Ellis (Rochelle); four grandchildren Robert Matthew Ellis (Katie), Josh Ellis (Katie), Ariana Ellis, and Chelsea Childers; six great grandchildren Lilly Fisher, Hannah Ellis, AJ Ellis, Emma Ellis, Christopher "Topher" Ellis, Benjamin Ellis; and his sister Shirley Sutton.
He was a loving father and very involved in his children's lives. As an active participant in his sons' scouting careers he served as Cubmaster and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. He loved planning multi-family vacations to the beach and road trips to different parts of the US.
Robert also has many "adopted" children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that he loved dearly. Kids and adults knew that Robert always had candy in his car or pocket at church. He was known as Pawpaw, Pops, and Poppy.
As a member of Landis First United Methodist Church, Robert was active in many ways. He taught an Adult Sunday School Class for many years. Being the Delivery Man of food collected at FUMC to Main Street Mission was a "job" he enjoyed, and working with the Small Fry Youth Group at Landis FUMC kept him young. Whether it was their trips to Sonic for treats or helping with Trunk or Treat he was always present. After moving to New Bern with Joe and Janet he transferred his membership to Garber UMC, where he enjoyed packing bags for Backpack Blessing and Operation Christmas Child. Upon Sarah Jane's death, he established the Ellis/Phipps scholarship fund at Mount Hope United Church of Christ in honor of his wife and her family.
Robert was a former member and officer of the Landis Lion's Club. He was a Master Mason, Campbell Lodge #316 Altavista, VA, and raised in 1951. Formerly, a member of Eureka Lodge # 283 in China Grove, NC. In October of 2019, he became a member of Zion Lodge # 81 in Trenton, NC. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity for 69 years.
The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Hope UCC Whitsett, NC, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon, followed by interment in the Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Hope UCC, Backpack Blessing, 2400 Mt. Hope Church Rd. Whitsett, NC 27377, or Garber UMC, 4201 Country Club Rd. New Bern, NC 28562 for outreach ministries.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Ellis family. Cotten Funeral Home is assisting the Ellis family locally in New Bern and Forbis & Dick Funeral Service is assisting in Greensboro, NC.
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