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Mr. William “Bill” Jean Ellis Jr., 69, of US 64 W., Mocksville, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Lexington Health Care Center.

He was born on July 1, 1954 in Davie County to the late William Jean Ellis Sr. and Hazel Rose Lackey Ellis.

Mr. Ellis enjoyed working with wood and was a skilled cabinetry maker, even making pipe organs for many years. He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy for four years. Bill spent most of his life in Oregon, before moving back to Mocksville six years ago. He had long been a member of Bible Temple in Oregon and attended Ijames Baptist Church in Mocksville. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and teaching sixth grade boys Bible study. His passion was coaching Little League and he enjoyed playing “old man’s softball”.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by: a sister, Sallie Newell; a father-in-law, Don Prothe; and a brother-in-law, Walter Price.

Survivors include: his wife of 42 years, Vickie Prothe Ellis of the home; 3 sons, William “Willie” Jean Ellis III (Sara), Alexander James Ellis (Karin), all of Vancouver, Wash., and Zachary Erick Ellis (Sharon) of Hanover, Md.; 3 grandchildren, Logan Arthur Gales-Ellis, Parker Liam  Gales-Ellis, and Josephine Jean Ellis; 3 siblings, Robert “Robin” Ellis (Vauda), Susan Price, and Sharon Burger; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan/ 2, 2024 at Ijames Baptist Church with Rev. Kestler Ruth officiating. nterment will follow in Elbaville Church Cemetery in Advance, with military honors. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at Ijames Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for: Parkside Little League Inc., PO Box 20204, Portland, OR 97294.

Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.