Cecil Edward Ellis, 85, went to be with The Lord Tuesday, October 11, 2022. While he will be missed by family and friends, all are grateful knowing he is in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Marilyn Caraway Ellis, who passed away July 28, 2020.

He was born to the late Cecil Jones Ellis and Esther Francis Barnett Ellis, on May 28,1937. As a young boy, he spent many days at Barnett Crossroads, spending time with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. As a youth, he spent time working at his father's grocery store on South Main Street in Atmore, Alabama. He graduated from Escambia County High School in Atmore and attended Pensacola Junior College. Shortly after he completed his education, he began a career at Monsanto, in Cantonment, Florida. He also served 3 years in the Army National Guard. Upon retirement, he spent time visiting patients at the Atmore Nursing Care Center and working at the Atmore Public Library, which satisfied his love of books and people.

Upon graduation from high school, he married his best friend and teenage sweetheart, Margaret Marilyn Caraway, on June 9,1956. Cecil and Marilyn gracefully raised four children. Through his actions he taught them a fierce love for The Lord. He raised his family in church, serving as a deacon and singing in the choir at Presley Street Baptist Church and later in life, at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church. He served The Lord by caring for others. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to help someone in need. He was a gentle soul with a servant's heart. He was a resolute soldier for the Kingdom throughout his life. He was blessed with an amazing sense of humor and a quick wit until the very end.

Throughout his life, he shared his love of the water, sports, and his love of family. Many weekends were spent coaching Little League Football, Little League Baseball, and attending high school football games in support of his children. More recently, time was spent over a game of dominoes or rummy at the SAIL (Senior Activities for Independent Living) Center in Atmore or with family and friends. He loved teaching others the rules of the game and was a stealth competitor. He also enjoyed planting and caring for his beautiful flowers.

He is survived by his children Kathy Ellis Trawick (Tony) of Lakeland, Florida; Rob Ellis (Sonya) of Atmore, Alabama; David Ellis of Jacksonville, Florida; Jill Ellis Tatum (Lance) of Montgomery, Alabama; and a special niece, Mary Beth Hogan Keith (David) of Millbrook, Alabama.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan Trawick (Kelley) of Lakeland Florida; Rachel Ellis Lindell (Rob) of Bay Minette, Alabama; Brittany Trawick of Lakeland, Florida; Blake Ellis of Jacksonville, Florida; Zachary Ellis of Jacksonville, Florida; Thad Tatum of Montgomery, Alabama; and Zoe Tatum of Montgomery, Alabama.

His great grandchildren, Harper and Hudson Lindell, Teagan Grace Trawick and his great niece, Emma Kate Keith, and great nephews, Connor and Owen Keith lovingly referred to him as Pawpaw, and were considered the apple of his eye.

Although he will be missed, his humble, kind spirit will live on in the lives of all who know and love him.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on the day- -and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11 AM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church in Atmore, Alabama with Long-time family friend, Bro. Doug Wood officiating. Interment will follow in Serenity Gardens Cemetery on Airport Road/US 31 in Atmore, AL.

Pallbearers will be Gary Hare, David Keith, Rob Lindell, Tony Trawick, Lance Tatum and Thad Tatum.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10 AM until service time at 11 AM at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home will oversee arrangements.