Lewis Clifton Ellis

Lewis Clifton "Cliff" Ellis
March 27, 1929 – October 14, 2025
Lewis Clifton "Cliff" Ellis was born on March 27, 1929, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to Lewis and Catherine (Tayman) Ellis. He and his brother Bernard "Bernie" grew up in Cheltenham, Maryland. In his early years, Cliff attended a small two-room schoolhouse known as Cheltenham School, as well as Surrattsville and Gwynn Park High School.
From 1951 to 1953, Cliff proudly served in the United States Army, earning the rank of Corporal. After returning home, he continued a long and dedicated 37-year career with Safeway, where he worked his way up to manager and helped open new store locations throughout the region.
On May 1, 1953, Cliff married the love of his life, Imogin Lowry. The two shared 64 wonderful years together until her passing in 2017. They raised one son, William "Bill" Lewis Ellis, who, together with his wife Joni (Miller), blessed Cliff with three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Cliff loved and was immensely proud of each and every one of them.
After retiring from Safeway, Cliff and Imogin started a real estate appraisal business, continuing to work side by side until they fully retired. In the 1980s, they purchased a home in Sebring, Florida, where they spent their winter months escaping the cold weather. He loved baseball and often attended spring training camps while in Florida, with Imogin joining him from time to time. Cliff also had a lifelong passion for golf and played regularly with a close-knit group of friends in Maryland known as "The Mulligans."
Cliff was a man of faith and community. He was a lifelong member of Cheltenham United Methodist Church, where he remained active for many years. In his later life, he began attending the First Baptist Church of La Plata, where the congregation warmly welcomed him. He enjoyed many Sunday services and Bible studies there and deeply valued the friendships he found among the members.
A proud Mason since 1957, Cliff was dedicated to helping others and was known as a kind, compassionate soul, always looking out for those in need, especially as they grew older.
Cliff loved country, bluegrass, and Southern gospel music. At one point, he organized a small country gospel group that traveled to Masonic lodges and churches to play and sing. He also arranged concerts at Cheltenham Methodist Church, sharing his love of music with others. In his later years, one of his favorite weekly traditions was attending local gatherings where friends played bluegrass and country music while he enjoyed the songs and the good company.
His hobbies included golf, stamp and coin collecting, and spending time with his family. He especially treasured watching his grandchildren's baseball and softball games, always their biggest fan.
In his final years, Cliff lived in a quiet riverside community called Banks Odee in Newburg, Maryland, where he was surrounded by kind neighbors and the beauty of the Potomac River. There, he enjoyed tending to his garden, crabbing, fishing, and staying active in the church.
Cliff is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Joni; his granddaughter, Angela Powers, and her husband, Rob; his grandson, Derek, and his wife, Alison (Bateman); and his grandson, Cory, and his wife, Marissa (Ricciardi). He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Liam, Greyson, Haley, Wesley, Heath, Abigail, Isaac, and Leah, along with extended relatives and many beloved friends. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Pop Pop" a name that will forever bring a smile to their hearts.
Cliff will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His was a life well-lived and a legacy deeply felt by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of La Plata or to Hospice of the Chesapeake in Cliff's memory. https://fbclaplata.breezechms.com/give/online/ https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/