Thomas George Ellis, Jr. (Ted)

Ted Ellis, a longtime resident of Spartanburg, passed away peacefully on September 26th at Spartanburg Regional Hospice House. His loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn Elrod Ellis, and their daughter, Emily Ellis Richardson, were at his side. Ted was the son of the late T. G. Ellis and Mary Barr Ellis; he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ann Ellis. In addition to his wife and daughter, Ted is survived by his son-in-law, Robert “Mark” Richardson VI, and his granddaughter, Lynda Elaine Richardson.

Ted graduated from Spartanburg High School and the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. He received Basic Training at Fort Jackson and spent several years in the Army Reserve. For more than twenty years, Ted worked alongside his father at Dunbar and Ellis Furniture. Later, he entered a long second career in real estate. When not at work, Ted could reliably be found in his yard or engaged in projects around the house. He loved making a comfortable and beautiful home for his family, which usually included at least one cat.

Ted enjoyed telling stories and will long be remembered for his tales about childhood experiences at Camp Pinnacle, college and army days, and various life events. He and Carolyn traveled extensively in Europe, the Mediterranean region, and the Holy Land, making wonderful memories together. They have been longtime members of Central United Methodist Church.

Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Spartanburg, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306 or to an animal shelter of choice.