John Luther Ellis ’50

John Luther Ellis ’50, of Garner, N.C., passed away Sept. 20. He was born Jan. 9, 1926, in Andrews, N.C. He was the son of the late Luke and Olive Ellis. He was educated at Davidson where he lettered in varsity baseball and tennis. John served his country during WWII in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a legal liaison for the N.C. Employment Security Commission. He served several terms as secretary of the Garner Volunteer Fire Department, was a master mason with Shriners, and volunteered as head umpire for Garner Little League baseball during the 1970s. John loved his dear friends, whom he met for breakfast every morning. and watching Carolina Tar Heels basketball. Survivors include daughter, Elaine Coker (Steve), 28 Derby Cir., Selma, NC 27576-9136; son, John “Rick” Ellis; son, Joel “Rusty” Ellis; grandchildren, Rebecca and Craig Coker; his former wife, Hazel Burgess Ellis; and dear friend, Cathy Pierce