Charles Ray Ellis of Rocky Mount passed away Thursday April 19, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. His was preceded in death by his wife, Maude Rogers Ellis of 45 years, parents William and Maggie Ellis and siblings James "Buddy" Ellis, Francis Stewart, and Ruby Ballance.
Charles served his Lord and Savior throughout his life and dedicated himself to helping others. He will be remembered for his unconditional love for family and friends, and sharing the gift of laughter. Charles enjoyed the UNC Tar Heels and listening to Southern Gospel music.
Charles served the Rocky Mount Fire Department for 36 years from 1954 until his retirement in 1990 as Assistant Chief of Administration. He was recognized for his leadership in advancing the Rocky Mount fire stations from 27 employees and two stations to 130 employees and six stations during his career. In 1968, he was promoted to the rank of captain and in 1974 to assistant chief. Charles spent his first 20 years with the department captaining a pumper company and driving a fire truck. Charles enjoyed the close brotherhood of the department and was proud to serve his community as a firefighter. He was a member of the NC State Fireman's Association and a graduate of the Wilson Technical College Firefighting program.
Charles served his country in the U. S. Army in 1951 until 1953 with 18 months of overseas duty. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. Charles continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1972 and held the rank of Master Sergeant upon his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Charles' life leaves a lasting legacy through the many lives he touched. He is survived by children, Ray (Cathy), Cathy, Pat Daniels (Dean), and Bob and his six grandchildren, Scott Hines, Charles Ellis, III, Brandon Hines, Adam Daniels, Jessica North, and Avery Ellis and four great grandchildren, Bryan Hines, Briana Hines, Dawson Hines, and Caroline North; sister-in-law, Peggy Williams Marks. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Shirley Williford Ellis and her children; Kim Puckett (Wayne), Ann Baines (Jerry), Mike Godwin, Al Godwin; grandchildren, Jan, Amanda, Bradley, Allyson, Jennifer and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Drew, Marly, Reagan, and Reid.
Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00pm Sunday April 22, 2012 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life service at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Kenneth Mullen, Retired Rocky Mount Fire Chief and Pastor Phil Barton of Dortches Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery (Section 8).
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff of Autumn Care of Nashville and the Fountains at the Albemarle in Tarboro for their love and compassion of Charles and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rocky Mount Fire Department Benevolent Fund, 101 S. George Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27801.
Arrangements by Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 4/22, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 4/22, 3:00 pm
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
We are forever grateful for Mr. Ellis’s dedication and service to our Country and our Community. Loosing a father, friend, brother and husband is not easy and I know that family and friends morn this loss. However, take comfort in knowing that Mr. Ellis is no longer having to deal with earthbound troubles and pain as he is now in the presence of the Lord and holding hands with those that went before him.
As we make our journey, throu this life, death is the final step. We grief for our loved ones. To help with that grief, we can take comfort, throu the words in the Bible. Jesus said I am the vine & my Father is the culvator.(John151) Jehovah tells us that he will put a end to all tears, & death will be no more.(Rev213,4) What a gift we have been givin, to have the hope of seening our loved ones again.