RICHARD W. "TICK" ELLIS

ELLIS, RICHARD TICK ELLIS, RICHARD W. ("Tick"), age 75, of Vestavia Hills, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 19, 2012. He was a life long resident of the Birmingham, area, graduated from West End High School where he played football and was a member of the debate team. He attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He retired in 1998 from U.S. Tobacco Company (now Altria). Mr. Ellis was an avid supporter of introducing the game of chess to students in both public and private schools locally and state-wide. He was actively involved as a player and as a tournament director in the Alabama Chess Federation and served several times as president of the Birmingham Chess Club. He was an Elder in the Rocky Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church and served it faithfully for many years. Mr. Ellis was predeceased by his parents, Fred Ellis, Jr. and Grace Davis Ellis. He was a loving husband and father and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay Evers Ellis; sons Richard "Rusty" (Devonne) of Ashford, AL and Gil (Susan) of Greenville, AL; brother John F. Ellis (Cathy) of Arvada, CO; sister, Gaye E. Moss of Homewood; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. The family will receive visitors at 9:30Am to 11:00 AM Monday, October 22, 2012 at Ridouts Elmwood Chapel. Graveside services: 11:00 AM at Elmwood Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Rocky Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2404 Altadena Road, Birmingham, AL 35244, or to the charity of your choice. Also, the family wishes to thank Alacare Hospice for its care and kindness, particularly Mabel Watts, RN, Holly Morgan, Chaplain David Ferguson, and Deana Turberville. >>