Raymond Lee Ellis

Raymond Lee "Ray" Ellis
84, 153 East Church Street, Newcomerstown, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 8, at the Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital, Zanesville. Ray was born in Crellin, Md., on Aug. 14, 1929, a son of the late Clyde and Lena L. Dumire Ellis. He was an Army veteran, serving in Germany during the Korean War. While in Maryland, he was a railroad employee for a few years. He then relocated to Newcomerstown following his Army tour and was the owner and operator of the Standard Oil (SOHIO) gas station, East Canal St., Newcomerstown, for over 15 years. He then served as a substitute and then a full time rural mail carrier for the Newcomerstown Post Office for many years and worked here until his retirement in 1988. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church, Newcomerstown. He was also a life member of the B P O E # 1555, Newcomerstown Elks Lodge, where he also served as the chairman of the Elks National Foundation. He also was a member of the Darrell Beiter Post # 3303, Newcomerstown V F W. Ray enjoyed bowling in the leagues at both Cy Young Lanes and the former Emerald Lanes, Newcomerstown. He also enjoyed trap shooting and playing euchre with his Elks' card playing group. He was also an avid fan of both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a sister, Gretchen Johnson, Newark, Ohio; and several brothers, Jack Ellis, Doran Ellis, and Ivan Ellis, all of Newcomerstown, Dale Ellis, Oakland, Maryland, Ward Ellis, Manchester, Maryland, and an infant brother, and a brother- in-law, Dempsey Sharpless, Newcomerstown. Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol J. (Arcore) Ellis, Newcomerstown, whom he married on Sept. 7, 1956. Also surviving are his daughter and her husband, Susan and Clarence Fortune, North Charleston, S. C., and two sons, Jeff L. Ellis, Newcomerstown, and David L. and wife Michelle Ellis, Lewis Center, Ohio. The remainder of the family includes six grandchildren; the first great-grandchild that is expected in the near future; his sister, Vivian Sharpless, Newark, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Mrs. Doran) Ellis and Marilyn (Mrs. Jack) Ellis, both of Newcomerstown, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To honor Ray's wishes, no public visiting hours will be observed. Private, graveside services and burial will be held at West Lawn Cemetery, Newcomerstown, at the convenience of the family. Rev. Tom Barber and Rev. Donald Silverthorne will conduct the services. The family is requesting that memorials be made in Ray's name to the First Baptist Church, 135 South River Street, Newcomerstown 43832.
Ourant Funeral Home, 740-498-6422