Williamston, MI
Age 71, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2013. Ellis was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be missed terribly.
Ellis married Audrey Johnson in 1964. Together they shared over 39 years of love and devotion. They started their new life by purchasing “The Bucket,” becoming the youngest bar owners in Michigan at that time, owning the establishment for 10 years. Simultaneously, Ellis began his work for the City of Williamston. After 33 years of service, he retired from the City in 2001 as the Director of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Public Works. He continued his career by serving Delhi Township for 5 years and worked as a consultant for the Village of Dansville until his passing. During his career, Ellis held various board positions, including President, of the Michigan Rural Water Association. In 2012, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from that organization.
Ellis spent the majority of his life serving various community causes. He was a fireman for over 30 years, achieving the rank of Captain. He was a member of the Williamston Jubilee Committee, a founding member of the Demolition Derby, serving as its co-chair with Audrey for many years, and received the Derby Man of the Year award. Ellis was honored as the Williamston Citizen of the Year in 1994, and, together with Audrey, was also named a grand marshal of the 1984 Red Cedar Jubilee Parade. Ellis was a Knight of Columbus at St. Mary Church, a Lion Club member, and a Mason.
In his spare time, he loved to be with his family and friends. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and made sure they knew how strongly he believed in them. He was an active member of the Brothers of the Third Wheel and the Gold Wing Road Riders, enjoying many trips across the State on his Gold Wing Trike. He had several annual fishing trips with friends he had maintained for over 50 years and was a member of the Williamston Canada Club, serving in various positions, including its President.
Ellis is tremendously missed by his 2 daughters, Shari (Tom) Glynn and Victoria (Brian Youngs) Wygant; grandsons, Eric (Brittany) Glynn and Kenneth Glynn; great granddaughter Audrey Glynn; brothers Bill (Karen) Wygant, Roy Wygant; sisters Lydia Botsford and Esther Hornbuckle, special friend Deb Huff, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends. Ellis was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, parents Marion (Dutch) and Mary Wygant, sister Jayne Wygant and brother Melvin Hurshman.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 18, 11 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 157 High Street, Williamston with the Rev. Peter Clark, Pastor, officiating. The Rite of Committal will follow in Summit Cemetery, Williamston. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle Street, Williamston Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM with the Scripture Service at 7:00 PM. The family will also receive friends Tuesday at the Church 1 hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make contributions to the Williamston Fire Department or St. Mary Catholic Church in memory of Ellis.
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