George Hardy Ellis

George Hardy Ellis of Sherman, Texas passed away at his home on February 13, 2026. He was born in Dallas, Texas on March 9, 1949, to John Hardy Ellis and Effetomye Georganna Baker Ellis.

George graduated from W. H. Adamson High School in 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas Tech University in 1971, where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and served as a cheerleader.

After college, he began his career as a Certified Public Accountant at Peat Marwick & Mitchell in Houston, Texas, a career path that took him around the world with professional stops in Singapore, Australia, Colorado, and ultimately back to Dallas and the North Texas area. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University (Dedman) School of Law while working full-time and became an attorney in the State of Texas.

George’s professional journey brought him a wide range of leadership roles in finance and executive management. Early in his Dallas-area career he served in senior finance roles at Texas Instruments, and later as Chief Financial Officer of Sterling Software, where he met his wife, Anne. He continued in executive finance and operational leadership positions with Sterling Commerce and later with organizations including the Communities Foundation of Texas, SoftBrands, and Huron Consulting Group. He concluded his professional career as Chief Financial Officer of 3DR Labs, LLC. from which he retired, leaving a legacy of steady leadership, sharp financial insight, and deep commitment to both his teams and the organizations he served.

Beyond his day job, George’s influence extended far beyond finance and law. He served on the boards of several civic and nonprofit organizations and was a founding partner of Social Venture Partners Dallas, an organization dedicated to helping nonprofits grow their impact and capacity.

George was preceded in death by his parents, John Hardy Ellis and Effetomye Georganna Baker Ellis, and his sister Sue Ellis Raasch.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Vahala Ellis; his three stepsons, Justin Vahala, Jamie Vahala, and Josh Vahala (and daughter-in-law Elena Vahala); his ex-wife Marcia Ellis; his son Stephen Ellis (and daughter-in-law Ailsa Ellis); grandson Cameron Hurley, his daughter Molly Ellis (and son-in-law Joseph Flowers); and his grandson Hardy Flowers.

George lived his life with an unwavering work ethic and a deep belief in the value of effort and grit. An Eagle Scout to his core, he approached every challenge with determination, held himself to high standards, and inspired those around him to do the same. Though he often measured life in purpose and service, he worked tirelessly to support his family and all the different versions of family life that took shape throughout his journey. Known for his generosity and quick sense of humor, he had a way of making people feel genuinely acknowledged and valued in every interaction. An avid reader and lover of the outdoors, George found both peace and perspective in nature and lifelong learning. His legacy is evident in the many organizations he helped strengthen, the communities he supported, and the colleagues and friends who carry forward his example of dedication, service, and principled leadership.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to either Social Venture Partners Dallas or Operation Kindness.