Johnny C. Ellis

Johnnie Carlton Ellis, Jr., age 91, a resident of the Mississippi Veterans Center in Kosciusko, MS died Sunday, December 1, 2024, following a brief illness.

 Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm Sunday, December 8, 2024, from the chapel of the OTT & LEE Funeral Home of Forest with interment to follow in the New Hope Baptist Cemetery in Carthage, MS. Bro. Danny Young and Bro. Reggie Tatum will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1pm till service time. 

 Johnnie was born to his parents, Carlton Ellis and Hester Richmond Ellis in Walnut Grove, MS on March 3, 1933, during the FDR presidency, a remarkable time in American history. Johnnie served time with the United States Army, receiving both the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He later worked as a timber buyer for the Richton Tie & Timber Company, at the time the Gulf, Mobile, and Ohio Railroad was operating through the town of Walnut Grove. He also owned and operated a poultry and cattle farm. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents,  brothers, Raymond Ellis, McKnight Ellis, and sister Doris McCraw, his first wife Stella Coleman Ellis, and second wife Christine Ware Ellis.

 Survivors include a grand-daughter Sherri Patterson (Hal) of Forest, MS stepdaughter Sue Ellen Brumlik (Peter) of Manitou Springs, CO. great-grandson, Steven Bell and Shelby Patterson of Forest, and great-grandchildren Easton Ray Bell, and Harper Ellis Bell. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Pallbearers are Hal Patterson, Steven Bell, Shelby Patterson, Barry Ellis, Dusty Thomas, and Marcus Ellis.  Honorary pallbearers are Alton Spivey, Hilton Moore, Marshall Lewis, and Ralph Watkins. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Gideons P.O. Box 804 Forest, MS 39074.

OTT & LEE Funeral Home of Forest is honored to serve the Ellis family.