Ernest Troy Ellis, age 94, 1040 Cane Creek Road, Bakersville, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital. Mr. Ellis was a native of Mitchell County, North Carolina and had resided at the Lakebridge Health Care Center, Johnson City for the past 8 months. He was a son of the late Arnold Palmer and Fannie Duncan Ellis. Mr. Ellis also lived in Erwin, Tennessee for many years and had returned to Bakersville in his later years. Mr. Ellis was a current member of McKinney Cove Baptist Church in Bakersville, North Carolina and a former member and deacon of Ninth Street Baptist Church, Erwin. Mr. Ellis was a WWII Army Veteran where he proudly served his country in the infantry. He was a conductor with Clinchfield Railroad for 36 years. After his retirement he joined the staff of Erwin Memorial Funeral Home where he was known and loved by the community. Mr. Ellis's dedication, and years of compassionate service will always be fondly remembered and appreciated by the funeral home management and staff.
Mr. Ellis was a happy positive man who served his Heavenly Father ever day. He loved going to church, spending time with his family, grandchildren, and many friends.
Mr. Ellis loved showing magic tricks to children and will always be remembered by many. He was an excellent example of Christian love to all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie G. Ellis, in 1990, who was the mother of his son; stepmother, Dovie Duncan Ellis; one brother, Harold Ellis, and his wife, Grace; half-brother, Jack Ellis and his wife, Juanita; three half-sisters: infant sister, Leona Ellis; Jean Burleson, and her husband, Fred; Jennie Hollifield, and her husband, Fred; two half sisters-in-law: Judy Ellis and Linda Ellis; one step son-in-law: Derwin Woody.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Lucille Buchanan Ellis, Bakersville, NC; one son, Charles A. Ellis, and his wife, Billie, Johnson City; two grandsons: Brian Ellis, and Brad Ellis, and wife, Shannon; one granddaughter, Beth Ellis, all of Johnson City; three half-brothers: Phillip Ellis, Stanley, NC; Charles Dean Ellis and wife, Rosalyn, and Wayne Ellis, both of Spruce Pine, NC; four step-daughters: Betty Garland, and husband, Bruce, Roan Mountain, NC; Margaret Baker, and husband, Arthur, and Kay Woody, both of Bakersville, NC, and Vicki Lewis, and husband, Thom, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; four step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Special friends: Kendrick and Jerressee Rockwell and Brennan Ricker.

A Celebration of Mr. Ellis' life will be conducted at 1:00 pm Saturday, August 3,2013 from Erwin Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Vernon Buchanan will officiate, and Pastor Mike Garland will commemorate at graveside. Special music will be provided by Stephanie Dellinger. Pallbearers will be selected from friends and family.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:30 am to service time at the funeral home. The committal service will be immediately following in Evergreen Cemetery.

Special thanks are extended to Dr. Jim Carroll of Bakersville, North Carolina, Lakebridge Health Care Center staff and Dr. Jason Colinger of Johnson City, the fifth and seventh floor staff and doctor's of Johnson City Medical Center and Mountain States Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ninth Street Baptist Church, 310 Ninth Street, Erwin, Tennessee 37650 or McKinney Cove Baptist Church, Bakersville, North Carolina.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com.

Erwin Memorial Funeral Home,1015 North Main Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Ellis family. (423) 743-1390.