John Harold Ellis, Sr. (SFC, U.S. Army, Ret.)

John Harold Ellis, Sr., (SFC, U.S. Army, Retired), 69, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at his home in Richmond Hill, GA.

John was born on November 24, 1954, in Aurora, IL to Melvin and Dorothy Ellis. After committing over two decades of his life to serving the United States Army, he retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His service spanned challenging times in our nation's history including deployments to Vietnam and the Gulf War. 

Outside of his honorable military career, John's proudest accomplishments lie within his service to others and contributions to his community. He was a founding member of the esteemed American Legion, Post 27 where he served as both Adjutant and Commander. He tirelessly advocated for veterans' rights and worked diligently to create a supportive environment for returning heroes. John's commitment to fostering camaraderie among veterans will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

John summarized his life as being “A soldier, who was a patriot, who loved God, his country, family, friends, and fellow soldiers. His passion was his love and his duty to all five. He was a man who was truly blessed with these things and counted all five as a gift personally given to him from God each and every day. He saw his duty and he rode to the sounds of the guns.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosina "Zena" Ellis; son, John Ellis, Jr.; and brother, William C. Ellis.

Surviving him are his son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Katie Ellis; two brothers, Richard Ellis and Thomas Ellis (Lynn); sister, Catherine India (Vince); sister-in-law, Sharon Ellis; and many extended family members.

Memorial services will be announced on a later date. 

Carter Funeral Home is assisting the Ellis family. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.