Johnnie Marvin Ellis

Johnnie "Billy Dee" Marvin Ellis was born March 25, 1931 in Meridian Mississippi to the late John Edward Ellis and Maggie Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fernandas Ellis, Lamar Ellis, and Robert Ellis; sister, Johnnie Pearl Elli; son, Frank Porter and grandson, Octavin "Woo" Whitlock. He departed this life on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Johnnie was reared, educated and received his life training in Mississippi. Johnnie migrated from Mississippi to Florida in the late fifties and early sixties to work as an asphalt finisher and united in holy matrimony to Ola Pearl Butler Ellis, and her two sons: Michael G. Carter of Jacksonville, and Robert A. Carter of Fort Myers. He helped rear three grandchildren; Sheila Hampton of Orlando, Anthony Jones and Rave Carter of Jacksonville. Johnnie served on the steward and trustee board at Mt. Zion A.M.E on St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville until his health started to fail him. Johnnie loved old cars, attended many cars shows, and was a collector of antiques. He had an engaging personality. He is a spirit to remember, enjoying life, making you laugh and being his jovial self. He loved to play dominos (which he was good at this game), cook on the grill, photography and was a self-taught mixologist. Johnnie retired from Lakewood Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Johnnie leaves to cherish his loving memories: a wife, Ola Pearl Butler Ellis of Jacksonville; one daughter, Terrie Collier (Alvin) of Meridian, five sons; Walter (Marcia) Whitlock, Michael G. Carter of Jacksonville, Robert Carter of Fort Myers, James "Sonny" Butler of Meridian and Greg Alfred of Dallas, TX, five brothers; William Ellis of Jacksonville, Howard Ellis, Lee Oatis Ellis, John Ellis and Michael (Theresa) Ellis all of Meridian; four sisters; Peggy Norman of Birmingham, Barbara A George) King, Sandra (Melvin) and Brenda (Redell) all of Meridian; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and a friend of the family, Brianna Kelsey. A funeral was held on February 25, 2022 at King and Sons Funeral Home. Services entrusted to King and Sons Funeral Home, Glennville, GA. www.kingbrothersfh.com