Great men are marked in the world by a loving family, support for their communities and an open heart for all.

Ray was a loving husband, caring father and an avid hunter and fisherman. He was born in Centerville, Texas July 27, 1929, to Aubrey Theron, Sr. & Maggie Mae (Watson) Ellis. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 through 1953. He married Maudie Ruth Lagrone April 13, 1956, and they made their home in Pasadena, Texas where Ray worked for Champion Paper Company as a millwright for forty-one years.

Whatever Ray set his sights on he accomplished with care, pride and the determination to do what was needed or necessary.

With a loving partner by his side for sixty-four years, he was successful in marriage, family and community.

He always had time for people in need, his family and friends and always had a smile and a friendly wave to all he met.

Ray passed away at ninety years of age March 20, 2020, in Centerville, Texas. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and all of his siblings, Harold D. Ellis, William T. “Bill” Ellis, A.T. “Pinkey” Ellis, Jr., Milton Ellis, Mildred Ellis, Virginia Shatto & Evelyn Ingram.

Surviving family members include wife, Maudie Ellis of Centerville; son, Ray Lynn Ellis (Anna) of Lakeside, CA; daughter, Rhonda Murff (Johnny) of Centerville; grandchildren, John Ross Murff (Rebecca) of Las Vegas, NV, Jameson Murff (Ashley) of Corpus Christi & Jenny Adams (Caleb) of Carlsbad, CA and great-grandchildren, Hunter Murff, Grace Murff, Carson Murff, Lucy Adams, Luca Adams & Lola Adams. Ray is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, great-great nieces & nephews, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held 11:30 A.M., Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Centerville in the Fellowship Hall

In lieu of flowers, the Ellis family requests memorial donations be sent to First United Methodist Church, Centerville, Texas or Centerville Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas.