Charles Brantley Ellis Sr.

Goldsboro - Charles Brantley Ellis, Sr., 81, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Wake Medical Center surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be Monday, February 14, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Harry officiating. The family will receive friends Monday following the service in the church parlor and other times at his home, 405 Tryon Drive, Goldsboro. Interment will follow the visitation at Elmwood Cemetery, Fremont, NC. Members of the Golden K Kiwanis will serve as honorary pallbearers. Charles was born on October 19, 1929, in Goldsboro, NC to John Brantley and Virginia Earp Ellis whose families have been in Wayne and Johnston Counties since the mid-1700's. He is a 1947 graduate of Goldsboro High School followed by enlistment in the United States Navy. He served aboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD during the Korean War where he earned numerous medals. Charles was a 1958 graduate of University of Washington in Seattle, and also pursued graduate studies in Oceanography at Seattle University and UW. Charles married Elizabeth Gordon in 1965 and they had 2 children, Charles Jr. and Dorothy. He served first in US Coast and Geodetic Survey spending over 13 years aboard the survey ships PATHFINDER, EXPLORER, DISCOVERER where he was involved in hydrographic, oceanographic, and circulatory surveys including Tides and Current Observations in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Alaskan waters. After leaving the ships, and during all of the land tours, he not only was extraordinary in his career, he was also extremely active in the communities in which he lived. During his 14 year tour in Rockville, MD, Charles and his family lived in Clarksburg, MD, where he worked on numerous Boards and Committees in the Methodist Church, Schools, Community Affairs, and Boy Scouts. Through his work with the Historical Society, he promoted the restoration and preservation of numerous buildings including the Boyd's Negro School. While Chief of Programs Services NOAA's Marine Center, Norfolk, VA, he continued his support of community affairs by working toward employment of the handicapped on the AMCEEO Committee. Everywhere Charles was stationed for his career, he also worked as hard for the communities in which he lived and received personal attention from the President of the United States thanking him for his commendable and outstanding service to his country. Charles retired in 1987 with more than 35 years with the US Department of Commerce. Following retirement, Charles and wife, Elizabeth, moved to Pikeville, NC where he immediately became involved in Wayne County activities including Pikeville Board of Commissioners, Mayor-Pro-Tem, and Chairman of many committees at St. Joseph United Methodist Church and served as Lions Club President. Following the Chairmanship of the Pikeville Centennial in 1991, Charles founded the Northern Wayne Heritage Museum (Cotton Museum). After the passing of his wife in 1998, he later married Betty Bryan Alley Lloyd in 1999 and moved back to Goldsboro. Moving his church membership to St. Paul United Methodist Church where his mother's family had been members since the late 1800's. Currently was serving on the history committee for the church. While serving on the Board of Directors for the Wayne County Historical Association, he served on the Boards of Wayne County Museum, Wayne Historical Commission, and Old Dobbs County Genealogical Society. He and his wife Betty were Vice-Presidents of the Historical Association and were instrumental in the Wall of Fame. Through the years, Mr. Ellis received many awards from the Governor's, Presidents, and Mayors of many communities and organizations. He has assisted in compilation of many publications and compiled and published George Durant - A Collection of Papers and Genealogy. Currently co-author of a book, he researched for many years, Settlement and Plantations of Wayne County prior to 1850. Charles also chaired the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace Commission for many years. Mr. Ellis is survived by his wife, Betty Bryan Ellis, daughter, Dorothy Ellis Fox of Indiana; son Charles B. Ellis, Jr. of West Virginia; sister, Dorothy Gower, California; brothers, William H. (Billy) of Washington, James B. (Jimmy) and wife Margaret of Nevada, Jerry S. and wife Mickey of Alabama, Larry G. of Goldsboro, Stephen D. and wife Gloria of Rocky Mount; sisters-in-laws, Frances Fields Ellis of Virginia, Peggy Roberts Ellis of Lenoir; grandchildren, Samantha E. Vash and Thaddeus K. Vash, both of Indiana; step-sons, Bryan T. Alley of Goldsboro and Charles G. Alley and wife Dana of Winston-Salem; step-grandchildren, Daniel and Kristen Alley of Goldsboro, Rebecca and Joshua Alley of Winston-Salem. He also has 136 nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins and dear friends. Preceding him in death are his wife, Elizabeth Gordon Ellis, parents John and Virginia Ellis, sisters, Carolyn Ellis Munn, brothers, John, Edward (Skinny), Robert (Bobby), Thomas (Tommy) and Richard (Bud). Charles was a proud man. He was proud of his name, proud of his parents, proud of his family, proud of his church, proud of his community Goldsboro and Wayne County, and proud of his Country. A good hearted man, he loved us all and will be truly missed. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.