Joseph William Ellis

Joseph William Ellis

Galestown-Joseph William Ellis, age 84 of Galestown, Maryland passed away on October 27, 2013 at his family home in Galestown.

Joseph was born on the family farm, outside Galestown on October 28, 1928. He was the son of the late Norris Ellis and Mattie Ellis.

Joseph graduated from Hurlock High School in 1945.

Mr. Ellis's career interests included working for Seaford Feed Mill, District Sales Manager of Baltimore Life Insurance Company, Sales and Operations Manager of Royster Company/Lebanon Chemical Company, Poultry Grower for Swift Company and Perdue Farms. He was a member and past long-time Sunday School Superintendent and teacher for Galestown United Methodist Church. Past President of Delmarva Widowed Person's Group, and past multiple term Mayor of Galestown.

Mr. Ellis is survived by his children, Larry Ellis of Severn, Maryland, Craig Ellis of Galestown, Linda Hastings of Salisbury, Margaret Ray of Galestown, and Scott Ellis of Huntersville, North Carolina. Son in laws, C.F. Hastings of Salisbury, and Wayne Ray of Galestown. Grandchildren, Wayne Ray III, Matthew Ray, Joshua Ray, Kelsey Ellis, and Eric Ellis. Great grandchildren, Desiree Ray, Garrett Ray and Kirsten Ray.

During and before his retirement Joe was a devoted and loving husband of 56 years to Joanne Ellis. After her death in 2004, he was a loving friend to Ida Lee Coulbourne of Cokesbury, MD., until his death. Joe was a loving and beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather that enjoyed spending much of his time with family, friends, and traveling. He always looked forward to returning to his much loved Galestown. During his final days, Joe returned to his home in Galestown under the care of his family and Coastal Hospice.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his wife Joanne Ellis, grandparents, Vesta and Joseph Ellis all of Galestown.

A Funeral Service will be held at Galestown United Methodist Church 5541 Galestown-Newhart Mill Road Galestown, Maryland 21659, on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 2:00 pm, a viewing will also be held at the Church from 12-2:00 pm. The Rev's Linda Mariner and Barbara Kiser will officiate. Interment will follow in Galestown Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in Mr. Ellis's name to Galestown United Methodist Church 5541 Galestown-Newhart Mill Road, Seaford, DE 19973 or Galestown Cemetery Fund c/o Brenda Cole, 5733 Eldorado-Rhodesdale Road, Rhodesdale, MD 21659 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home Laurel, Delaware. Online condolences can be sent to the Ellis family by visiting, www.hsdfuneralhome.com.