E.J. Ellis
February 26, 1925 ~ November 16, 2016
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Arden – E.J. Ellis, 91, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016.
A native of Andrews, he was the son of the late John Alexander and Flora Ammons Ellis and husband of the late Nerida "Rita" Ellis, who passed away in 2006. He was also preceded in death by three brothers.
E.J. was a longtime City of Asheville Policeman and retired from the Asheville Airport Security Department. E.J. was a veterans of W.W.II, serving in the Coast Guard/Merchant Marines. He was a member of the Nichols-West Asheville Masonic Lodge #650, a Shriner and a member of the VFW.
E.J. is survived by four daughters, Sandy Anderson, and her husband Bill, Susan Ellis, Claudia Hart and Nora Knerr, and her husband Louis; seven grandchildren, Jason Hart, Jennifer Critchett, Billy Anderson, Mike Anderson, Louis Knerr, III, Andrew Knerr and Wyatt Knerr; five great grandchildren, Hailey Knerr, Lauren Knerr, Katie Anderson, Anderson Knerr and Scarlett Knerr; and E.J. is survived by one sister, Janice Helton and a number of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Monday in Calvary Churchyard in Fletcher. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 pm Monday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
Memorial contributions may be made to Givens Highland Farms Retirement Community, 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
What a great guy! He was a good friend to my mom and was so nice to me and my wife when we lived in N.C. I will always, and have always, thought dearly of E.J.
E.J. was so full of life and kindness. He was always there as a friend to me and my husband. He was someone you could count on to be positive and caring. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to the Ellis family. I am very sorry for your loss. I know that your family is mourning the loss of a dear loved one. This indeed is a very painful time. Please accept my sympathies. Rest assured that our loving God, Jehovah is certainly aware of how you’re feeling. In His Word, the Bible, he promises to raise up the dead through the beautiful hope of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15) May ‘the God of comfort’ give you the strength to get through the days ahead. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
He always made us laugh! Always shared his tomatoes, chicken dumplings and peanut butter crackers! We would always leave his home after a visit with something to eat. He couldn’t help but share!! He would call often and check on us (mostly Erin) and another Mr. Ellis story would be shared at our dinner table. He always talked about ‘his girls’ and their mom and told stories of how he and his Bride met. Our family will greatly miss our neighbor and friend.
EJ has been a long time member of the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1. He always enjoyed himself when he was around. So long Brother Ellis. You will be missed.
FOP Lodge #1
Brandon always enjoyed talking to EJ. He was good neighbor. We are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Ellis sisters,
I just saw your dad’s obituary today and just wanted to send you our love and sympathy in his passing.
Prayers from your Ballinger neighbors,
Rachel Jensen
Martha Farmer
Beverly Webb