Willard Ellis

He was born Willard Shepard Ellis, Aug. 27, 1922, to Chalmus H. and Myrtle Ellis in Saginaw. Six weeks before graduating from high school he joined the Navy, a few months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After writing letters for two years during World War II, Willard and Mary Joe McClanahan finally met and later were married on Dec. 15, 1945. They were happily married for over 60 years. He fathered two sons, Raymond and Randy Ellis. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed making stained glass as a hobby and traditionally made all kinds of candy during the Christmas holidays. He loved family get-togethers and in his later years enjoyed just sitting on the front patio watching the squirrels and birds feed, especially the downy woodpeckers. He was a member of Riverside Christian Church and will be dearly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Joe. Survivors: Sons, Raymond Ellis of Keller and Randy Ellis and wife, Dana, of Fort Worth; grandson, Sterling Ellis of Keller; and numerous nieces and nephews. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willard Ellis please visit our Sympathy Store.