Thomas M. Ellis Jr. went to be with our Lord on January 27, 2017. He was born on September 3, 1927, to Thomas M. Ellis Sr. and Mary Della Ellis at their home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tom was raised with two sisters and a brother in a Christian and loving home. The family endured the depression and the dust bowl together. He graduated from North East High School, where he was a multi-year football captain, played on the baseball team, participated in boxing, and was known by the nickname “Eli.” Tom served in the Navy during WWII and when discharged, he attended Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University) where he received a bachelor’s and later a master’s degree. He was a former Minister of Music for Capital Baptist and later for Capital Emmanuel Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He had a 34-year long career with Ford Motor Company, as a warranty customer service, zone representative, and teacher of countless students, many of whom continue in the trade today. Tom was faithfully married to his loving wife, Beverly, for 64 years and was a 50-year member of The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas.
Tom was a loving and soft-hearted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved the Lord, his wife, and his family more than anything. We will miss him until we meet in heaven
Tom is survived by his sister, Jo Laverne and husband Johnny Anderson; brother, James Robert; sister in-law, Florine Ward; sister and brother-in law. DJ and Phil Ward; sister and brother-law, Sharron and Bruce Reeves; three children; Cary and wife Kelly Ellis, Dana and wife Phyllis Ellis, and Diane and husband Stan Wright; seven grandchildren; Heather, Toby, Ryan, Lindsay, Haley, Brittany, Tyler; eight and one-half great-grandchildren; Cash, Cooper, Sam, Millie, Dori, Mallory, Brant, Lily, a baby to be named; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother, father and his sister Mary Jean Marion.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas with Dr. Charles Vanderslice officiating. Interment is to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.