Willie Stanford Ellis

Deacon Willie Stanford Ellis, 74, of Cartersville, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at Highland Assisted Living Center. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this time of bereavement. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Glory Harvester Church, 1988 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy NW, Cartersville, GA 30120. The body will lie in state in the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens, 790 Indian Mound Road SE, Cartersville, GA 30120.

Due to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines, physical distancing practices will be in place, and MASK ARE REQUIRED for those that will be admitted into the service. The family is the main concern during this time of bereavement and space will be limited. We have to ensure the family is able to attend the service, so there is a possibility of some friends not being admitted. However, THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED.

On the early morning of April 13, 2022, Deacon Willie Ellis peacefully left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father. 

The life and legacy of Willie Stanford Ellis began on April 8, 1948. He was born in Cartersville Georgia to the Late Elder Ellis and Farrest Geneva Wilkins Ellis. He was the sixth of seven children born and raised in the Pine Grove Community. He was born premature and so small that he could fit in the palm of your hand. His mother was bedridden after giving birth and could not care for him, so his Aunt Mable Ellis Jackson cared for him for about six months until his mother was well enough to care for him. He was given the nickname “Tiny” and this nickname was known by many. 

Willie joined Pine Grove AME Church at an early age; he was always inquisitive and eager to learn more about the Word of God.  

He graduated from Summer Hill High School in Cartersville Georgia. After high school, he began his career working at a carpet manufacturing company. In 1967 he received a draft notice from the United States Army. This was devastating to him, but he accepted and took it with a smile. Willie was in the “Big Red 1” Infantry during his tour in the Vietnam War as a Specialist E-4 with the United States Army. The greatest thing about his tour was that in 1969 he come back to the United States alive. 

After serving his country on the battlefield he returned to Cartersville Georgia. Willie always acknowledged that the Lord protected him during that time, and he owed his life to serving and bringing as many as he could to the Lord.   

While Willie was out witnessing in various cities, he met the love of his life Lucille King in Gainesville Georgia in 1969. In 1973 they were united in holy matrimony and together their lives began; raising a son and later blessed with a daughter. A few years later they were also blessed with raising a granddaughter whom they loved as their own child. 

He was one of the founders of Macedonia Pentecostal Holiness Church where he joined in 1972. He was baptized in Jesus name under the leadership of the late Elder Milton McSpadden and later continued to serve under the leadership of the late Pastor Elsie Pruitt. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at Macedonia Pentecostal Holiness Church of Cartersville Georgia. He served as a faithful and dedicated member, church bus driver, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and lastly installed as a Deacon. He exuded dedication and consistency serving the Lord, because he believed in putting God first in all things. He always greeted everyone with a cheerful “Praise the Lord”. He was a member of the Georgia State Counsel of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for 50 years.  

He was also blessed to retire from Shaw Industries in 2014 after 30 years of service.  

Deacon Willie Ellis was preceded in death by his wife Lucille King Ellis, his parents; sisters Joann Ellis Sullivan and Pastor Elsie Ellis Pruitt; brothers Clifford and Warren Darnell Ellis; father in-law Edward King; grandson, brother and sister in-laws, aunts and uncles, nieces, and nephews. 

He leaves his memory in the hearts of; daughter Emily Clarice Ellis, son Edward King, special granddaughter Jessica K. (Dr. Curtis) Green; grandchildren, Alan II, and Xavier Callahan, Precious and Joy King; great grandchildren, Jakayah, Jaell, JaQuira, Faith, London, Dakota, Germany, Taniyah and Jahsiah; Devoted brothers and caregivers; Elder Elmer (Eloise) Ellis, and Braynard Ellis; nieces; Aretha, Regina, Kimmie and Danielle; nephews, Clifford, Daryl, McKinley III, Andy, Desmond, Dorian, and Greg; Aunt Bessie Wilkins; and a host of other loving family and friends. 

Condolences may be expressed at: www.mackeppingerfuneralhome.com

Mack Eppinger and Sons Funeral Service Inc. are in charge of the arrangements.

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