Leo Ernest Ells

He served his country for 21 years in the U.S. Army. He completed 2 combat tours in the Korean War as well as serving at the Pentagon as the DCA financial officer.

He married the love of his life, Cecile T. Rousseau, on February 19, 1955, at our lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Rock Island, Quebec.

After a full career with the U.S. Army, Leo retired and began a new career in higher education at Texas Tech University and later at the University of N.C. at Charlotte.

He and Cecile retired to sunny Florida where they enjoyed life and fishing on the Banana River in Melbourne, FL, where Leo quickly became feared by the schools of fish due to his skill with his rod & reel. They returned to Charlotte to be near their three children.

Leo was a loving husband and father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He was kind and generous as he provided advice and guidance to so many.

Survivors include his wife, Cecile; three children, Sandra, Helena, & David; five grandchildren, Kathryn, Samantha, Savannah, Patrick, and Elizabeth; and his sisters, Helen and Alice.

He follows to our Lord, his parents; brothers, Ed and BJ; sister, Ellie; and two nephews, Jim Higgins and Kevin Carter.

The family of Leo appreciates all of the love and support from friends and family including all of his neighbors at the Dorchester Manor, and the tender care from Angelica Mecido .

Services will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at 11:00a.m. (704-543-7677). Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be Friday, Nov.21, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC

Memorials can be directed to Saint Thomas Aquinas Priest Retirement Fund, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28213 (704-549-1607).

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.