Ellis, Wilbur Edward (Papa), 98 of Richmond, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2019, at Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis F. Ellis, his son, W. Edward Ellis, Jr., and his daughter, Cheryl L. Ellis. He is survived by his son, Gary W. Ellis (Susan), of Midlothian, Daughter-in-law Paula Ellis of Richmond, 4 grandchildren, Courtney Ellis, Vicky Gates, Kimberley Allen (J.R.), and Ryan Ellis (Hillary). He is also survived by 6 greatgrandchildren, Zane and Brandt Gates, Claire and Dyson Spence, and Danner and Parker Allen.
Wilbur was born and raised in Richmond, and was fiercely proud of his Oregon Hill upbringing and his high school, the old John Marshall High School. Wilbur was a WWII veteran, having served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 until the end of the war.
He was a founding member of Monument Heights Baptist Church, where he played for and managed their softball, basketball, and bowling teams for many years in the 1950’s. Other than his WWII Army service, Wilbur was especially proud of having worked for Atlantic Electrical Supply Corporation for over 75 years before retiring in 2016, at the age of 95
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center for their loving and compassionate care for the past 2 years. Wilbur loved all of you. The family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Wilbur’s caregivers for the respect and love they showed him every day; Shirl Lawson, Robinette Taylor, Loretta Jackson and Pat Chambliss.
Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the same location at 11:00 am on Monday, February 11, 2019. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Wilbur with a gift to Monument Heights Baptist Church, 5716 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226, attn.: Missions Fund.
