A Life Story

Joseph Rufus Ellis, age 77, of Savannah passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.Mr. Ellis was born on October 7, 1947 in Hazlehurst, Georgia to the late Emory Clyde Ellis and the late Ethel Maudine Benson Ricks. After serving in the US Navy he returned to Savannah and eventually owned and operated Ellis Insurance Agency.In addition to his parents, Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Ellis Wilds.Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley; two sons, Joe (Jenn) of Winston- Salem, NC and Dale of Savannah; five grandchildren, Cody Ellis, Joey (Melanie) Ellis, Joey (Nicole) Poole, Jessica (Bob) Mitchem, and Brandon (Sunny) Poole; two sisters, Sue (Larry) Bristow of Talahi Island, GA and Janice (Gordy) Fogle of Catawba, SC; and multiple loving nieces, nephews, and friends.He loved hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. He was a longtime member of Tar City Hunting Club and a Boy Scout Troop Leader.A private service will be held by the family.Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd, Savannah, Ga 31410.