NEWPORT NEWS — William Ervin (Bill) Ellis, Sr. of Newport News, passed away at home peacefully, with his daughter by his side on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
William, or Ervin, as he was known to family, and as Bill to his many friends, was born in Wilson, NC to the late Bettie Mae and Thomas Jackson Ellis. He met his lifetime love, Nancy, when they were both 16 and at 17 he joined the Air Force. After tours of duty in Japan and Korea, he and Nancy were married and finally settled in Newport News. After his discharge from the USAF, he eventually established a thriving electrical, heating and a/c business. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and wonderful friend to all and will be greatly missed.
William was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy of 63 years, son, William Jr., brother, Thomas Lindy Ellis, sisters , Martha Jean Beard, and Helen Faye Davis and his very best friend, Gene Autry Hall. He is survived by his daughter, Angela Ellis Curry, son, Thomas Lester Ellis, daughter-in-law Sue Ellis, Grandchildren, Joshua Bean (Wendy) Chase Ellis, Corinne Ellis, Travis Ellis, great grandchildren, Khalil Holloway, Natalya Bean, Arlani Bean Penate and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of many friends and special people in his life.
Funeral Services will be held at Riverside Baptist Church on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:30 with visitation to begin at 1:00 for the family. Interment will be at Hampton Memorial Gardens immediately following. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Altmeyer Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel.
Special Thank Yous are extended to all of the Angels of Traditions Health as well as Encompass Health for the compassion and care they showed both our loved one and our family throughout our time together.