Mr. Collett Ellis, Jr., 64, departed this life Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was born April 30, 1943 to Collett Ellis, Sr. and Lucinda Ellis in the Shady Grove Township of Davie County, NC.

He was a retiree of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was employed part-time at Wackenhut as a security guard until his health failed.

He was a proud, confident and courageous individual who loved family, church, education, his nation, and sports. He excelled as a student at Davie County Training School (1962) and Forsyth Technical Community College (1977). This same excellence was expected of his children and he took pride in their accomplishments. With one excelling in the military, another attaining a degree in engineering and his "peanut" as a physician assistant. This same zeal and steadfastness was exhibited in his church responsibilities. As of late, serving as Chairman of the Mount Sinai A.M.E. Zion Church Steward's Board and a faithful member of the Trustee Board. He was an avid sports fan of the Cowboys, Lakers, and Dodgers. He also was a brilliant crossword solver.

Mr. Ellis served in the Vietnam War in the early 1960s as an Ammunition Specialist and received an Honorable Discharge for his valiant efforts. Later he affiliated with the American Legion, Post 220, Winston-Salem, NC and was active until his health began to fail.

To know him was truly enlightening. When talking or having friendly debates with him, you knew right away that he was a very principled individual; whether it be on world events, family, religion or sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Don; maternal and paternal grandparents; sister Ruby Jewel Sprinkle; brother-in-law, Gene Arthur Sprinkle.

He leaves to mourn his departure, a loving devoted dedicated wife, Tressie Dingle Ellis; two sons, Sgt. Juan R. Ellis, retired (Stephanie) and Casey Duane Ellis (Carmen); daughter, Monica "Peanut" Ellis Medy (Frederique); brothers, William Ellis (Celeste) and Calvin Gantt (Flora); 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts uncles, cousins, and a host of friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Mount Sinai A.M.E. Zion Church, 488 Peoples Creek Road, Advance, NC with the Rev. Dr. Otis B. Robinson, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Mount Sinai A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery. Family visitation will be held atom 12 Noon until 1 pm Saturday at the church.