JOHN ELLIS

John W. "Johnny" Ellis FORK - John Wayne "Johnny" Ellis, 67, husband of Geraldine Weaver Ellis, died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at his home after an illness. Mr. Ellis was born September 16, 1942 in Marion County, a son of the late W.J. and Georgia Graham Ellis. He was a retired photographer, having been a photographer for the Florence Morning News and the Marion Star. Mr. Ellis was a US Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Viet Nam War. He was well known throughout the area as one of Santa's Helpers during the Christmas season. Mr. Ellis was a Mason and a member of Fork Baptist Church. Surviving Mr. Ellis in addition to his wife of the home are: a Son: John Wayne Ellis, II and his wife Karen of Dillon; a Daughter: Marcie Ellis King and her husband Daryl of Fork; 2 Grandchildren: Wesley Ellis and Emory Ellis; a Sister: Barbara Ann Newell and her husband Alvin of Marion; a Brother: Danny Ellis and his wife Edna Earl of Fork; a canine child: Brewster; and 4 canine grandchildren: Tank, Brutus, Tilly and Chase. Mr. Ellis was predeceased by a brother, Kelly Ellis. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 16 at Fork Baptist Church. Burial, with Masonic rites, will follow in Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Cox-Collins Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fork Baptist Church, 1923 Old River Road Fork, S.C. 29543 or to McLeod Hospice, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, S.C. 29502.