Shirley Lee Ellis, 85, passed away February 25, 2021.  He was born in Southampton County, VA the son of the late Wilson Stanley Ellis and Edith Turner Ellis.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Jean Marie Ellis; sisters, Betty Jean Butler and Peggy Ann Wilson; step son, David Thompson; great grandchildren, Sadie and Liam Nakamura; and loving pet, Charlie.  Shirley served in the U.S. National Guard and later went on to work and retire after 45 years from the sign shop at VDOT.  He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and the Lee Jackson Sunday School Class.  He was active with the Baptist Men's group and the Happy Active Christian group.  He was a former member of Bethlehem Ruritan Club and served on Meals on Wheels for over 20 years.  Over the years, he enjoyed square dancing with the Southern Stars group.  In his free time, he enjoyed gadgets, tinkering, fixing or building anything.  He loved spending time with family and friends traveling and camping.

Shirley is survived by his wife of 22 ½ years, Ella Louise Ellis; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Val Nakamura; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Kristen Ellis; step children and their spouses, Teresa and Phillip Lester, Debora Lee, Wanda Boyce, Raymond and Jeana Thompson; grandchildren and their spouses,  Shane Nakamura (Nicole), Cainaan Nakamura (Kelly), Tyne Garza (Ricky), Joshua Bailey Ellis, Claudia Jean Ellis; step grandchildren, Eric (Rose), Christopher (Sheena), Tracy, Ashley, Brooke (Michael), Heather (Clay), Jonathan (Angie), and Michael (Brittany); 15 great grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren; sister, Connie Duck; and loving canine companion, Jake.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Pastor Ricky Garza officiating.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Building Fund.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.