Fred Ellis

Fred N. Ellis Jr.

Mr. Fred N. Ellis Jr., born in Aberdeen, MS January 14, 1921, died Monday, March 2, 2009 at Flowers Hospital following a short illness. He was 88.

Funeral Services are being handled by Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, on Saturday March 7, 2009. Visitation is at 11:30am followed by graveside service at 1:00pm

He was preceded in death, by his wife of 62 years, Eloise Arant, his parents, Fred N. Ellis Sr. and Ida Lou Easter Ellis, and sisters Louise Butler and Sara Cooper.

He is survived by sons Jim Ellis (Springville, TN) and Bob (Linda) Ellis (Dothan, AL) grandchildren Jennifer (Eric) Thomas (Huntsville, AL), Terri (Daniel) Adams (Dothan, AL) and Tim Ellis (Panama City, FL). He was also survived by his great grandchildren Trevor Adams, Savanna Adams, Anna Thomas and Austin Thomas as well as sister-in-law Gwen Benefield (Birmingham, AL), along with many nieces, nephews, and his constant companion for the last six years, Buddy.

Mr. Ellis lived most of his adult life in Pell City and Birmingham, before moving to Dothan in March 2008. He worked in the maintenance department at American Cast Iron Pipe Co. (ACIPCO) for 37 years and retired in 1978. While at ACIPCO he served on the board of operatives and 1 year as the employee representative to the board of directors. Mr. Ellis was featured on the front page of the ACIPCO news on the 100 year anniversary of that company.

He was a 32nd degree mason at the Ben M. Jacobs Lodge #643 in Birmingham for 50 years. His passion in life was travel with "Mimi" and they visited every state in the union except Hawaii. He delivered several motor homes to Alaska. He loved his sons dearly, being very proud of Jim achieving Eagle Scout honors and watching son Bob play youth, high school sports, and baseball at Jacksonville State University. The grandkids always enjoyed their trips to the beach with "Grandad" and brought him much joy and happiness. He was especially proud that they all got college degrees and his "Grandgirls" married good men. The great grandkids made him nervous with their energy and enthusiasm, but he was settling in to watch them grow up and make their place in life. His last year of quality time with the family was a blessing.

Serving as pallbearers, will be Tim Ellis, Daniel Adams, Eric Thomas, Charlie Phillips, Sonny Chapman, Glen White and Charlie Brown. Honorary pallbearers are the ACIPCO retiree group.

In lieu of flowers, send gifts to: Big Oak Ranch Inc.

P.O. Box 507

Springville, AL 35146