Dwight Drew "Country" ELLIS Sr.

ELLIS, Dwight Drew "Country" Sr., 63, of Rockville, Va., went to be with his heavenly Father on October 10, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie A. and Virginia Fay Ellis; two children, Dwight D. Ellis Jr. and Ginette M. Ellis; son-in-law, Gregory D. Cebulski; and his sister, Jean Stuart. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Rosaria H. Ellis; his five children, Roxanne E. Lockett (Billy), Dayle M. Roberts (Jerry), Melody E. Cebulski, Dwight D. Ellis II (Becky Shaver), and Mandy D. Ellis (Robley Martin Jr.); his six grandchildren, James W. Lockett, Emily R. Cebulski, Theodore D. Cebulski, Dawn M. Ellis, Stephanie H. Roberts and Parker A. Ellis; and his sister, Donna D. Culpepper (Bill). He was born in Richmond and graduated from J.R. Tucker High School in 1965. He worked laboriously at Kraft Foods/Nabisco as an electrician for the last 33 years. He served his electrician's apprenticeship at U.S. Tobacco Co. (Model Tobacco Co.) for four years prior. He was a life member of St. John's Lodge #36, AF&AM, ACCA Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies, ABACA Grotto, and SAMIS Grotto where he was Monarch in 2006 and currently served as Treasurer. He was a member of the American Legion Battlefield Post 144, Richmond Elks Lodge No. 45, Manchester Moose Lodge No. 699, Glen Allen Shrine Club, Clowns of America International Alley #3 (a.k.a. Tuna Fish), SAMIS Grotto Goodtimers Clown Unit, and Bakery Confectionary and Tobacco Workers International Union Local #358. He was involved with the Bellevue Merchants Association, and worked with the Goodtimers to help with the dental screening at the Special Olympics. He was a loyal blood donor with the Richmond Blood Bank in the 100+ club. He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. He attended Mechanicsville Christian Center. Dwight was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and Masonic Brother. He lived life to the fullest and had a generous spirit. He loved to make people smile with all his clowning antics. In his spare time, he liked to fish and work in his garden. The family will receive friends at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St., from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, with a memorial service at 7 p.m., and a Masonic service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the SAMIS Grotto Building Fund, 4028 MacArthur Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.