Charley J. Ellis Jr.

SHERMAN - On September 6, 2013, Charley James Ellis, Jr. left this life in the same way he lived it, rapidly and with purpose.

Born March 29, 1955 in Ft. Lewis, Wash. to Charley James Ellis and the late Ella Juanice (Pledger) Ellis, Charley made his way to Texas post haste and was a Texan in the truest sense of the word. Charley grew up in Lubbock and Morton where to many (deservedly or not) he is still a legend in their minds. He owned his first business in Morton at the age of 17.

Charley moved to Sherman in 1972 and after a brief stint working delivery for Sears, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. This was a life he was uniquely designed for and after meritorious promotions he moved rapidly up the ranks and was made a Sergeant in less than 3 years. Offered the opportunity for Officer Candidate School, he chose instead to move back to Sherman to his family. In an unlikely combination, Charley met Mary Kirkley- a US Navy Corpsman. After a brief & whirlwind period, Charley and Mary were married at Camp LeJeune, N.C. on January 16, 1976. In the fall of 1976, Charley again made Sherman his home and their sons, William Scott Ellis & Justin Alan Ellis, were born, raised and continue to live here. Loving his family and his friends, Charley was one of the hardest working men and did everything in his power to protect and provide for his family.

Because of his business, church and community activities, Charley was loved and respected by many. His quick wit was often the spark to resolve issues in a way that made everyone feel like they were the winner. Anyone who knew Charley at some point heard his two favorite phrases-""What's your point?"" and ""Get Over It!"" Charley served Sherman as a City Councilman from 2001 – 2005 where his sole focus was on what is best for the ""people"" of the town, not just on small interest groups. Many of his suggestions were implemented and are still in use today. After he termed out of City Council duties, Charley was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the State Bar of Texas, District One, Grievance Committee and served there until he reached the maximum amount of time allowed.

As a business owner he has always strived to be an example of honesty and trustworthiness. This is evidenced by his 35+ years serving his customers and employees. To him they became more than just customers and employees, they became family and friends. In his belief that ""no one is indispensable"", he has structured his business endeavors in such a way that his legacy will continue long beyond his life.

Charley is survived and will be greatly missed by his father, Charley J. Ellis & wife Jeri; his wife of 38 years, Mary Ellis; his sons: Scott Ellis and wife Amy, their daughters Emily, Natalie & Karamie and Justin Ellis and his son Aiden. He is also survived by his brother David Ellis & sisters Risa, Debbie, Barbara & Becky. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles and extended family, friends and Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Visitation and viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening (time will be extended as necessary) at Waldo Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Woods Street Church of Christ with Bro. Jimmy Stegall officiating. Committal services will follow at Fairview Cemetery, north of Ector, with Marine Corps honors at gravesite.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Markl, Robert Hernandez, Jim Vandagriff, Bart Mitchell, Jimmy Cookston, Dicky Lynch, Bill Owens, and James Crumpton, Jr. Please join us as we celebrate the man that Charley was.

An online register may be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com.

Services are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home.