Leonard Ellis

Leonard Culberth Ellis CHESAPEAKE - Leonard C. Ellis, Ph.D., 75, a longtime resident of Chesapeake and Portsmouth, was tragically killed in an automobile accident near Tampa, Fla., on March 12, 2010. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Leonard attended and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952. He was a graduate of The College of William & Mary where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He then attended the University of Virginia where he received his doctorate degree in organic chemistry. Leonard was employed by Virginia Chemicals Inc., which later became Hoechst Celanese, for 32 years and retired in 1992. Some of his favorite hobbies included golfing, fishing, genealogy, painting, and photography. He was an only child born Dec. 13, 1934, to the late Loomis C. and Ida V. Ellis and was the beloved husband of Mary Lee Ellis for 55 years. Leonard will forever be remembered by his devoted children, Virginia Tackett (Michael), Terry Murphy (Joseph), Matthew Ellis (Cheryl), and a special daughter, Karen Sanders. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Deanna Tackett, Danielle Tackett, Joseph Murphy, Nicholas Murphy, Tyler Ellis, Jordan Ellis, Ryan Gray, Jaxson Gray; treasured great-grandchildren, Alli Sawyer and Quinn Griffin; caring in-laws, Barbara and Robert "Mata" White, Wilma McCutcheon and Fred Adams. Leonard also had many nieces, nephews and cousins; along with countless other family and friends who were blessed to know him. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 1, at 4 p.m. in Point Harbor Community Church, 2705 Taylor Road, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.