Mr. George David Ellis, Sr., age 76, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Georgia, surrounded by his family following a recent illness.
George was born January 20, 1949 in Wichita Falls, Texas, to the late George Lemuel Ellis and the late Bithia Joiner. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp where he proudly served our country for 4 years during the Vietnam conflict and receiving the Purple Heart during his service. He was a skilled mechanic by trade working for many years for Anderson Pontiac. He also attended the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia where he earned his Correctional Officer Certificate while employed by CCA (Corrections Corp of America) in Nicholls, Georgia. He attended the former God’s People Baptist Church.
George leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Kaye Herring of Douglas, Georgia; 8 children: Anne Gay Tolentino of Pearson, Georgia, George David “Davy” Ellis, Jr. of Bushnell, Georgia, Lavada E. Copeland and husband Shawn of Douglas, Georgia, John Bradley “Brad” Ellis of Bushnell, Georgia, Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Ellis of Douglas, Georgia, Johnny F. Ellis and wife April of Ambrose, Georgia, Mark Anthony Ellis of Nicholls, Georgia, and Donny Ellis of Douglas; 6 grandchildren: Cody and wife Jessica, Hannah, Jamie, Kaylee and husband Matt, Mallorie and husband Ethan, Antyler; 8 great grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Ellis of Lenox, Georgia; 2 sisters: Maxine E. Griner and husband Raymond of Nashville, Georgia, and Pam E. Perry of Douglas, Georgia; along with a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life was held to honor George on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Ricketson Funeral Home Chapel with Associate Pastor Chris Sheffield officiating. Military Honors, including “Taps”, flag folding and presentation were rendered by the United States Marine Corps. Inurnment will follow at a later date in the Herring Family Cemetery (AKA: Antioch Cemetery) in Lake Park, Georgia.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with George’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Flowers were accepted or you may also make a monetary contribution C/O Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. to assist the family with the cost of services.
George’s arrangements were entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.