Tom Ellis, 83, of Ozan, Ark.,, passed from this life on Aug. 20th, 2020, at the Overton Brooks VA Hospital in Shreveport, La.
Born in Tulare, Calif., Tom had lived a full and adventurous life. As a young man, he was a stock car driver in Southern California, then he served honorably as a U.S. Army Veteran in Germany. He followed his service to his country as a tanker operator and dispatcher for Chevron Oil. Later in life, he moved with his family from California to Nashville, AR where he had a more peaceful and enjoyable life as a farmer.
Tom loved singing music from Elvis and Ray Charles. He enjoyed cooking for his family, playing golf with his friends, and following his favorite sports teams, the Anaheim Angels, Arkansas Razorbacks and the Nashville Scrappers. Tom was a regular fixture at the farmer’s market in Nashville, where patrons and children often gathered around him for his personality and warm smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Ellis and Sybil J. Ellis-Crawford, his stepfather, Willis Crawford and his brother Jimmy Ellis. He is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Thomas and Wispeny Ellis, and Mandy Ellis. He’s also survived by his brother, Billy Ellis, and longtime partner, Debra Bolding.
An outdoor funeral service for family and friends is planned for Friday, August 28th, at 12 p.m. at the Little Rock National Cemetery. A separate outdoor celebration of life service for Tom is planned for Friday, Aug. 28th at 6 p.m. at the Nashville City Park, Regions Pavilion. All are welcome to attend. Attendees at both services are required to socially distance and wear face coverings. The family appreciates the outpouring of support they have received during this difficult time.
