Norman Ellis

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS -- Norman D. Ellis, 78, passed away Monday November 7, 2011 with courage and peace knowing his Lord and Savior was there to meet him.        Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 3200 Denton Hwy., with Rev. Tom Connolly, Dr. Jerry Chism, and Rev. Harvey Ozmer officiating.        Interment: Arwine Cemetery, Hurst,TX.        Visitation: The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Lucas Funeral Home 1321 Precinct Line Road Hurst, TX.        Norman was born on July 14, 1933 in Wills Point, TX to the late J. Jeter and Minnie Ola Ellis. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1950. Norman attended North Texas State University and received his BBA in 1954 and his MBA in 1968. He received his PhD in Management from North Texas University in 1973. Norman married Mary Ruth Reeves of Hurst, TX on Sept. 19, 1952. Norman was a true entrepreneur from the beginning. After retiring from the Air Force he began his professional career as a salesman for the Burroughs Corporation. After receiving his PhD in Management he was the Chairman and Professor of the Management/Marketing Dept. at Tarrant County Junior College from 1972-1992. He served as the faculty sponsor for the Distributive Education Club of America at TCJC. He was passionately dedicated to mentoring and encouraging many students as they participated in state and national competitions, enriching each life along the way. He received the Sid Streicher "Quest for Excellence" award in 1983, which is given to an individual whose contributions to management education is recognized by his peers. Norman was also the owner of Ellis Development Company and Ellis Properties. Since 1992 till present he has served as the Chairman of Board of Directors at Citizen's National Bank in Wills Point and Grand Saline, TX. Norman was a long time member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he served in many leadership capacities including: Administrative Board, Finance Committee, Stewardship, and the Endowment Committee. He was also a charter member of the Upper Room Sunday School Class. He also served as City Councilman and Mayor Protem for the city of North Richland Hills from may 1972-May 1976. His family was the center of his life. He was a wonderful provider, a wise counselor and symbol of courage to all that knew him. He loved to play Craps and to watch sporting events with family including Jay and Will Kolar. Above all he was a generous and loving husband, father and grandfather. He leaves his family with a legacy of happy memories and the sure knowledge that they were well loved. A special thank you to Dr. John Bell and staff at the HEB Davita Dialysis Clinic for your wonderful care. Also, thanks to the caring staff at the Canton Dialysis Clinic and to his wonderful care givers Lisa, Ingrid and Ivonne.        Memorials: For those desiring, the family suggest memorials to St. Luke United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 3200 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, TX 76117, Glen Lake United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center, P.O. Box 928 Glen Rose, TX 76043-0928, or Tarrant County College Foundation, 1500 Houston St. Ft. Worth, TX 76102-9837.        Survivors; wife of 59 years Mary Ruth Ellis; children, Deana Hoffman and husband Bill, David Ellis and wife Debra; grandchildren; Haley, Danielle, and Duncan; "adopted grandchildren" Kristin, Jay and Will; sister, Jo Maree Herrington, sister-in-law, Georgia Duncan, cousin, Glynn Ellis, Dr. Donna Kolar, Marylin and Dr. David Lawson; nieces and nephews, special friend Scott Dollar, and a host of wonderful friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Norman Ellis please visit our Sympathy Store.