Phillip Don Ellis Sr, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 12, 2024 leaving behind a legacy of love that was felt by both family and friends. Born to Clarence Clyde Ellis and Nellie Thelma Ellis on September 29, 1939. He was the youngest brother of 7children. A graduate of Dora High School, he played varsity basketball for 4 years and later in life coached community basketball at Midway Methodist Church. He spent over 30 years as the parts manager at Grate Dane Trailers and instilled a work ethic into his children and grandchildren that they still honor to this day. He married the love of his life Helen Jean Wood in 1958 to whom he was married for 66 years. During that time he spent many years as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Don enjoyed visiting the beach with his wife and fishing in the surf.

He is preceded in death by father; Clarence Clyde Ellis, mother; Nellie Thelma Ellis, brothers; Robert, Gordon, Paul, and Nelson, and son in law; Bro. Jack Hester, great-grandsons; Grayson and Graham Hester.

He is survived by his wife; Helen Jean Ellis, daughter; Deborah Ellis Hester, son; Phillip Don Ellis Jr., sisters; Nancy Cosper and Katie West (Bill). grandsons; Mark Hester (Heather), Brennan Ellis (Jordan), and Garrett Ellis (Erin), granddaughter; Amy Dedmon (Keith). great- grandsons; Jakob Adams (Janie), Alec Adams, Fisher Hester, Gates Ellis, and Everett Ellis, great- granddaughters; Emily Adams (Everette) and Sadie Wilkes. great, great- granddaughters; Brooklyn Adams, Jillian Adams, and great, great- grandsons; Greyson Pickell and Madden Adams, and daughter in Law; Regina Ellis. Along with a host of nieces and nephews. His memory will live on in his deeds and his love for Christ and his family that all who met him knew of. The values instilled in his children and grandchildren will survive long into time along with the love they felt for their Pappy Don.

Funeral service will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 at 2:00pm at Sumiton First Baptist Church, visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Bro. Ted Johnson and Bro. Tim Blackmon will be officiating. Burial to follow at New Horizon Memorial Gardens in Dora, AL.

Pallbearers to include: Mark Hester, Brennan Ellis, Garrett Ellis, Jakob Adams, Alec Adams, Fisher Hester, Keith Dedmon, and Everette Patterson