Mr. William Wayne Ellis

William Wayne Ellis, age 77, of Harlan, KY, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on December 30, 2022. Born in Harlan, Kentucky, on January 23, 1945, to the late Paul Ellis and Eva Sergent Ellis, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Ellis, and son, Jeffrey Ellis.

Bill earned his master’s degree in Vocational Education from the University of Louisville and was twice retired as a Vocational Expert for the Social Security Office, having worked for them for over 20 years and from the State of Kentucky's Employment Service Office and was an active board member at the Clover Fork Clinic serving for over 20 years.

Proudly known as the voice of the Bears, Bill was involved in sports since he was a young child and loved sports his entire life, which evolved to the love of calling games on the radio with his beloved wife Tami, who he would sometimes turn off her mic. He loved to joke that he could always turn the volume down on her radio. He always put God first and family and friends second, but he loved fishing and, having schooled many boys in basketball, retired from playing at 69.

An Elder in the Rosspoint Church of Christ, Bill was a good-hearted man. He was an example of how to live a Christian life and follow God's Holy Word, trying to always show God's love to everyone and praying with anyone who was in need and wherever he was asked. When asked how are you by anyone, Bill always replied that he was Blessed every day and always ended the conversation with a goodbye by telling them to have a Blessed day.

Loved by so many people in Harlan County, Pappy Bill loved all the youth in Harlan and always supported them in any endeavor. Some of his greatest memories were watching his grandsons and great-grandchildren enjoy life, but above all, he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all his heart. Bill always said that God Blessed him with two loving Christian women, his first love Carol and his last love Tami.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Tami Ellis, daughter; Kellie Ellis Noe and Rocky, sister, Paula Susan Hall. Grandchildren; Joshua Caldwell and Michelle, Aaron Caldwell and Ashley, Zachary Caldwell and Dixie; great-grandchildren: Isabelle, William, and Raider; a niece; Jennifer Szollosi and Paul; great niece Brittany Petty and Austin, great nephew Justin Bargo and great-great nephew Weston. A host of other nieces, nephews, family, and friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 2, 2023, from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Harlan County High School Gymnasium. Funeral Services for Mr. Ellis will follow at 6:00 PM, with Eddie Creech officiating. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Tim Saylor, Bill Clem, Ed Harris, Tim Pennington, Hubert Saylor, Britt Lewis, Charley Austin, Larry Blondell, Kevin Mefford, Curt Freyer, Jim Martin, Rocky Noe, Kevin Ellis, Jim Wilhoit, Mike Forrester, David Howard, Steve Hendrickson and all of the guys he played ball with he said, "Thanks for the memories!" A private interment service will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Mount Pleasant Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. William Wayne Ellis.