Robert Nicholas "Nick" Ellison

Robert Nicholas "Nick" Ellison, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, entered into the presence of his Savior on January 4, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. While our hearts are aching, we rejoice knowing that Nick is now cancer-free, pain-free, and dancing at the feet of Jesus-fully healed and whole.

Born on September 27, 1953, in Bartow, Florida, Nick lived a life marked by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. More than anything else, Nick loved Jesus. His faith was not just something he believed-it was how he lived. He trusted God relentlessly! Even through years of injuries, pain, and health challenges, he persevered and would still say "God is good!" His hope was always to bring the light of Jesus to anyone he encountered, whether through words, actions, or simply the way he lived. He would often tell strangers in public that Jesus loves them. He loved worship music, was a fierce prayer warrior, had the gift of counseling, and always enjoyed serving the church and supporting its ministries.

One of his favorite verses, Psalm 27:13, was a true reflection of what he believed: "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

On November 2, 1985, Nick married the love of his life, Jean, at Southside Baptist Church in Lakeland. As they recently celebrated 40 years of marriage, their love was a true testament of commitment, devotion, patience, and trust. Together they created a beautiful life full of faith, family, laughter, and a whole lot of goofiness-often referred to as the "Ellison Zoo."

Nick was a man of integrity! He was honest, humble, compassionate, and gentle with a sensitive heart. He never complained and he always chose to see the positive in every situation. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a calming presence, and an ability to make others feel seen, loved, and cared for. He was very organized and loved to read. He loved cars, Western movies, ketchup, and cheering on his beloved Florida Gators. He was a hard worker and retired from Verizon after 30 years.

Nick loved the outdoors! He had a lifelong love for the water! Whether it was fishing, water skiing, casually cruising on the boat, slinging kids off tubes, eating a grouper sandwich at a waterfront restaurant, watching the sunset from the dock-the water was his happy place! In his younger years, he was an accomplished barefoot water skier and even skied for Cypress Gardens-an experience he always remembered with immense pride. He loved family boat days on the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven, where countless memories were made.

Nick was a wonderful father-patient, encouraging, forgiving, and supportive. He was the kind of dad who prayed for his kids, taught them valuable life lessons, gave the best advice, and still knew how to have fun. Even when his children made mistakes or found themselves in trouble, Nick met them with grace. He listened with an open heart and offered understanding instead of judgment. His faith guided his parenting, his patience grounded it, and his sense of humor truly made him the best dad! He was so happy when he became "Poppi" and he found pure joy in his grandchildren! He was incredibly proud of who they were and who they were becoming.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Scott Ellison, and his mother, Virginia Mae Sikes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his children, Dusty (Anndee), Robby, Rebecca, Rachel (Fred), and Ruthie; his grandchildren, Jacob, Bryce, Meghan, Chase, Weston, Raegan, and Shiloh; and his special niece, Katie (Darrell), and her children, Ava, Leila, and Erik.

Though he will be deeply missed, Nick's story does not end here. His life continues to shine through his family and all whose lives he touched.

We will celebrate Nick's life on February 27, 2026, with visitation from 5:00–6:00 PM, followed by a service at 6:00 PM, at Central Florida Casket Store and Funeral Chapel, 2090 East Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, FL.