Bobby Joel Ellis

**IMPORTANT** Due to the extreme weather, Bobby’s service has been postponed. Additoinal information will be posted here when it becomes available.

Bobby Joel Ellis, 88, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024.

A native of Canton, NC, Bobby lived most of his life in Asheville and was the son of the late William Franklin “Leon” Ellis and Genese Lamm Ellis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Florene Diane Ellis; his sister, Frankie Ellis Pegg; and partner of 12 years, Eszter Czike.

Mr. Ellis was a graduate of Lee H. Edwards, Class of ’54, and NC State University, Class of ’58. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. After graduating college, he moved to California where he met his wife, Flo, and later moved to Japan, living there for 8 years, before finally retiring back in Asheville.

Bobby was an avid stamp collector, rock hound, and long-time member of the Moose Lodge. He was also a Heart Path volunteer and walked every morning, famously finding money almost every time out. He and his sister, Frankie, enjoyed metal detecting for many years, finding many treasures together. He never met a fish he didn’t like, and they often lined up for him, regardless of location.

He is survived by his daughters, Lesli Ellis-Wouters (Troy) and “California” Kim Dasko; sons, Scott Dasko (Lisa), Brad Dasko (Donna), and Robert Smith (Ginger); sister, April Crowe; niece, “North Carolina” Kim Ellis; Eszter Czike’s family, who remained close to him after Eszter’s passing, and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of Bobby’s life, with U.S. Naval Honors has been postponed due to weather.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC, 28806-9315.