Vernon Ellis' Obituary
Vernon C. Ellis died suddenly at home in North Ft. Myers, Florida on May 30, 2021 with his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Nan Ellis, by his side. Vernon was born on 11/15/1929 in Armathwaite, Tennessee. He was one of 11 children with 8 of his siblings pre-deceasing him. He served in the Army in Korea for one year and, upon discharge, luckily came to Ft. Myers Florida to visit family. It was there that he was introduced to life- long Ft. Myers resident Mary Nan Ellis (formerly Thompson) by her best friend Faye who was dating Vernon’s brother Cotton. They married in 1953 and had two children, Michael and Charles (Chuck). Both of his sons earned PhD degrees, Michael in Psychology and Chuck in Chemistry and Vernon was so incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Mike and his wife of 31 years, Erica, have a son, Joshua, who lives in Maui and will be marrying Fiancé Dana in November. Chuck and his former wife Sharon have two children, Brian and Jordan. Brian is married to Ginger and blessed Vernon and Mary Nan with two great grandchildren, Remy and Rune. Vernon loved his family dearly and felt truly grateful for all of them.
Vernon worked for many years as the Parts Manager at two Chevrolet Dealerships and Florida Spring and Axle before retiring. He devoted his retirement years to motor home traveling with Mary Nan, visiting all 50 states and Canada. He was also actively involved in numerous fraternal organizations, including Masonic Lodge, Galae Grotto, Shriners, and Scottish Rite. He was a 33-degree Mason, the highest degree that a Mason can earn. His devotion to service filled his life with purpose for many years.
Funeral services will be held at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd. Ft. Myers, Florida on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 12:30PM. A visitation before the service will begin at 12 noon. The family will be there to welcome friends and relatives.
People wishing to honor Vernon’s lifelong commitment to family, community, and church can make donations to Scottish Rite of Ft. Myers at 10868 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33966.
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