William Francis Ellis, Sr., 77, of Derry passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Concord Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 19, 1938 in Lawrence, MA and was a son of the late Charles and Martha (Cote) Ellis. Mr. Ellis was raised and educated in Lawrence and graduated from the Essex Agriculture/Technical School. He has been a resident of Derry for several years.
Mr. Ellis served our country as a member of the US Navy from 1955 to 1959 on the carrier USS Randolph. Mr. Ellis was a truck driver by trade and spent many years as an owner/operator and hauled for many companies including Beacon Van Lines. Mr. Ellis formerly ran the “Road Back Club” and was a volunteer counselor with the Friendship Center of Derry. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Red Sox Fan.
Members of the family include his wife Linda (Waterman) Ellis, a daughter, Sheri Ellis, a son and his wife, Paul and Cynthia Ellis, a son, William F. Ellis, Jr. and his wife Jean, daughter, Elizabeth Ellis, and son David McCormack. 9 Grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, his brother, Robert Ellis and his wife Denise. He was predeceased by a brother Frank Ellis.
Calling hours were Friday, February 5, 2016 from 9 to 11 am at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street Derry, NH followed by a funeral service at 11:00am in the funeral home.