Tracy Ellis

Tracy J. Ellis, 71, of Indianapolis, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on July 30, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1953, in Indianapolis to parents James Ellis and Dorothy (Cowin) Ellis.

Tracy was a graduate of Howe High School, Class of 1971. While at Howe, he excelled on the basketball court and was the city’s leading scorer. He went on to attend DePauw University, where he continued to play basketball and earned a B.A. in Economics in 1975. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, where he formed several lifelong friendships. Tracy later earned his M.B.A. from Indiana University Bloomington in 1977 and entered the field of accounting. He began his career with roles at Arthur Andersen and then Indianapolis Power & Light. He spent the majority of his career as Controller for Solar Sources, a coal mining company.

He loved to travel with his wife, Nancy, their children, and grandchildren. He took many road trips over the years, whether nearby in Brown County, Indiana, or across the United States on a month-long adventure. He explored Europe and visited Mexico to spend time with family and serve on mission trips. He loved the warmth of Bonita Beach, Florida, and later found a vacation home in Southwest Florida, where he spent several winters enjoying time with family and friends, always looking for a chance to take his grandchildren out on Estero Bay in a pontoon boat.

Tracy was an avid sportsman and a lifelong fan of the Pacers and Colts. He also coached his children in various sports and enjoyed attending games with friends and family. He loved to golf - never too worried about putting shots into the water or taking a mulligan, but instead genuinely enjoying the time outdoors with his playing partners.

Most of all, he was a family man. He was devoted to being a provider and caregiver to those he loved, including his parents, uncles, in-laws, brother, wife, children, grandchildren, and cats. His long and loving marriage was a shining example to his family. He was a dedicated student of the Bible, striving to apply Christian values in leading his family.

Tracy is survived by his loving children: Katie Thornton (Shane), James Ellis (Veronica), and Sarah Ayala (César); grandchildren: Graham Thornton, Joshua Ellis, Sofia Ayala Moran, Benjamin Ellis, Andre Ayala Moran, Valeria Ayala Mirus, and Itzel Ayala Mirus; great-grandchild, Gabrielle Pérez Ayala; sister-in-law, Shirley Ernest; and niece, Abigail Norman (Corey).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents, James and Dorothy Ellis; and his brother, Steven.

Tracy was a member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church. A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the church located at 381 N. Bluff Road, Greenwood, IN 46142, with a memorial service immediately following at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Pleasant Christian Church at the address above, or to IndyHumane, 7929 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.