Joseph Ridley “J.R.” Ellis, 89, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held 11 AM, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Pine Level Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Mike Heitzman officiating. Ridley Eidson will offer a prayer. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery on Tuesday.
Mr. Ellis was born July 4, 1934, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Foy & Clara Conley Ellis. He graduated high school in Albany and served his country honorably in the United States Army as a member of the signal corps, stationed in Alaska. He earned 160 specialized course hours from the University of Alaska, the University of Georgia in Albany, Columbus College, Albany Junior College, and Valdosta State. Mr. Ellis worked in accounting at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany and had a distinguished career with the Internal Revenue Service, working almost 30 years as a revenue officer, senior revenue officer, and manager/representative in Albany & Valdosta. He served on the Planning and Zoning Committee as well as the Board of Tax Equalization for Ben Hill County. He enjoyed breakfast at Floyd’s and the many friends he shared conversations with. Mr. Ellis was a member of the American Legion and Pine Level Methodist Church.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda & Gary Willis of Albany; a special “adopted” daughter, Marie Roach Kreiser of Albany; grandchildren: Rosalyn “Dee” Eidson, Brody & Stacey Willis, Michael & Christie Willis, Steve Willis, and Glenn Ellis; great-grandchildren: Kaylie Willis, Addyson Willis, Caswell Eidson, Ridley Eidson, Ashton Willis, Brady Willis, Briley Willis, and Maya Godwin; and two brothers: Rick & Sherry Ellis of Fitzgerald and Bobby & Peggy Ellis of Irwinville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Young Ellis; a son, Joe Ellis; three brothers: Richard Ellis, Dink Ellis, and Ollie Ellis; and a sister, Patricia Ellis Young.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.