Thomas Jackson Ellis, 73, of Roanoke Rapids passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.
Thomas was born May 10, 1947 in Halifax County to the late Willie Charles Ellis and Pearl Lelia Malone Ellis. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Waverly and Willie; two sisters, Glenda and Ida.
Thomas attended Weldon Schools. He worked with the A & P Grocery Stores and he retired from W.R. Grace in Weldon. He was a member of Chockoyotte Baptist Church, Amvets, and the Eagles Club.
Thomas served his country in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam Era. He devoted his life to fundraising and helping those in need or less fortunate. Thomas was also more than willing to give you the shirt off of his back to anyone who needed it. Everyone who knew him knew that. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his grandkids and he dearly loved his brothers and sisters.
Thomas is survived by his sons, Charles L. King and his girlfriend Debra of Roanoke Rapids and Larry Ellis and his wife Danielle of Brevard, NC; his brothers, Charles Ellis of Tampa, Fl and Lloyd Ellis of Roanoke Rapids; his sister, Yvonne Wilhelm of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Alex Edwards and her husband Avery, Tory Ellis and his fiancé Heather Silva, Madeline Ellis, Sarah Hannah, Lyric Ellis, Stephan Bryant and Heather Bryant; his great-grandchildren, Raleigh Edwards and River Edwards.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 20, 2021 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Dennis Joyner officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. at the funeral home prior to the service. Thomas earned the right to be buried in a Veterans Cemetery and was also one of his wishes. Interment will be private at a later date in Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Due to CDC recommendations for COVID-19, social distancing is encouraged. The funeral service will be available following the service by visiting https://www.facebook.com/carlislencompany/.
Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com