Robert "Bradley" Ellis

Robert Bradley Ellis, known to everyone as Brad, went to be with the angels on January 23, 2021 at Conroe Regional Hospital at the age of 64. He was born on March 16, 1956, a son of the late Joel William Ellis and Roberta Beveridge Ellis.

 

Brad graduated high school in Harlingen, Texas. As a child he was on the swim team and in high school he was on the football team. He attended Baylor University and made many friends throughout his school years and remained close to many of them.

 

After attending Baylor, he worked as an offshore diver until an injury on the job took him to a career in the Food and Beverage industry. He began his career in Houston working for McFadden Kendrick for several years. During these years he was blessed to meet the love of his life, Marion. It took some time to convince her, but after their third date, they were side by side each day. They knew no matter what life brought; they would go through it together until the end of their days.

 

In the early 80s. Brad and Marion moved to South Padre Island, TX to be close to his family. While on the island, Brad established Polly's Restaurant and Bar. Together they catered the sunrise and sunset tours for the Paddle Boat. They made Polly's known for the best breakfast, coldest beers, best jukebox, and pool tournaments on the island. He always looked forward to three ball, as it was his favorite. Years later, after they moved back to Houston, they continued to work side by side for many years.

 

Brad loved to travel with family and friends. He traveled to many places in his lifetime, such as Rome, Spain, Italy, and Mexico. He was fluent in Spanish, which he learned at a young age while living in Mexico City where his mother taught at the University. During his travels, Brad was very much a tourist. He was a man who loved to learn about the history and culture of the places he visited. Mexico was one of his beloved places to travel, where he explored Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Acapulco, and Mexico City. He enjoyed scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and fishing. He also took pleasure in a good game of water volleyball. One of his greatest memories was sharing these places with his wife. Over the years, through their adventures, they met many more friends from all walks of life. He appreciated good food, good friends, and good conversation.  Brad captured people with his first few words. He had many things to talk about. Watching sports was also a favorite of his. He liked golf, baseball, and football. Brad looked forward to Sunday football every year. He was a big Dallas Cowboy fan. His Mother went to University of Wisconsin and was a Green Bay Packers fan. He would always say how much he looked forward to being with his Mother and watching the two teams play against each other.  

 

Turtles, Double Yellow Head birds, Scarlet Macaws, cats, and dogs were always in Brad’s life. He loved talking about his three chickens he named Uno, Dose, and Tres. He continued to be an animal lover throughout his life. Brad had two yellow labs and two golden retrievers and Sammy the Scarlet Macaw. Each gave him love and joy for years.

 

Brad was also an avid reader. He craved knowledge. He preferred reading a book over watching television. He did enjoy the history channel and the biography channel. He also loved watching a good movie with his wife. Brad's favorite movies were The Godfather, Lonesome Dove and old-time westerns. Brad loved listening to country music, Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater, and Carole King. He loved music from all genres.

 

Most of all he loved dancing with his wife.

 

Brad leaves behind his wife and best friend of 38 years Marion Isabella Danijel-Ellis. His mother-in-law Erika Danijel, father-in-law Heinz Danijel, sister-in-law Sigrid Vande Zande, brother-in-law Peter Vande Zande, nephew Nicholas Vande Zande, nephew Nathan Vande Zande, sister Valerie Ellis Keys and brother-in-law General Ronald Keys.

 

Visitation will be held from 3pm-5pm at Klein Funeral Home – Tomball, 1400 West Main, Tomball, Texas 77375. At-risk visitors are asked to come between 2:30pm-3pm. If you prefer not to attend due to Covid-19, the Family does understand. Please feel free pay your condolences online.

 

In lieu of flowers, Brad and Marion welcome donations to MS/ALS towards the research for Lou Gehrig's disease,

In honor of their friend they recently lost, Teresa Griffin, who battled ALS for almost six years.

    

For online giving, go to https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm. For GIFT DESIGNATION, please select Program or Initiative and then click the arrow and select ALS Fund (designated for Dr. Appel’s ALS research).

 

By mail payable to:

Houston Methodist Foundation ALS Fund - Houston Methodist Neurological Institute ALS Clinic - 6560 Fannin Street, Suite 802 - Houston, TX 77030.

 

Brad loved a good party. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.