Bobby Ray Ellis
Bobby Ray Ellis (Bob), 86 of Madison, MS passed away peacefully on December 11, 2021, in Ridgeland, Mississippi following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Visitation will be held at Madison United Methodist Church in the Montgomery Memorial Chapel, Madison, Mississippi on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 9:30 – 11:00 am. Services will be at 11:00 am.
He was born on August 10, 1935 in Clark County, Mississippi to Bertha and Walter Ellis.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 65 years, Merle Cofer Ellis. Sons Kenneth R. Ellis, Sr. (Janet) of Ridgeland, Mississippi and Robin Wade Ellis (Sheryl) of Hoover Alabama. Bob was especially proud of his six grandchildren (5 grandsons and one granddaughter): Kenny Ellis, Jr. (Grace) of Madison, Mississippi, Wade Ellis (Halley) of Portland Oregon, Austin Ellis (Kathryn) of Brandon, Mississippi, Alex Ellis of Chicago Illinois, Chris Ellis of Nashville Tennessee and Sarah Elizabeth Ellis of Denver, Colorado. He also was a proud great grandfather to his only great granddaughter, Betsy Love Ellis of Madison, Mississippi.
Bob moved to California after high school graduation and worked for General Motors. He later moved back to Mississippi, settling in Madison. He began as a service writer, salesman, and later the business manager for Van-Trow Oldsmobile. In 1971, he bought the Chevrolet - Oldsmobile dealership in Winona, Mississippi and moved his family there. Later he also bought the Chevrolet dealership in Eupora, Mississippi. Bob was a true salesman that loved selling more than anything and always had a big smile on his face.
After his retirement Bob and Merle moved back to Madison County from Winona, Mississippi. They loved traveling together in their motorhome to see the United States and visiting family and friends. In 1979 they enjoyed a trip around the world.
Bob was elected the President of Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association in 1979-1980.
Bob was a member of the Madison United Methodist Church and the Lamplighters- Truth Seekers Sunday School Class.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi for the loving care they provided him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter: P.O. Box 456, Ridgeland, MS 39158 or memorials can be made online at: www.act.alz.org