John Edward Ellis

John Edward Ellis (Johnny),born on Sunday, May 7, 1961 to Chester and Minnie H. Ellis in Tarrant, Alabama, was the youngest of five children. Raised by loving parents in a household that also included his maternal aunt Mazel, Johnny attended Tarrant public schools and made his first Holy Communion at St. Bernard Catholic Church where he was also baptized. Later, along with his family, Johnny became a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Johnny developed life-long friendships in high school, graduating from Tarrant High School.

In 1984, after spending a summer working in Cape Cod with two close friends, Johnny returned to Birmingham where he began employment with the Social Security Administration where he ultimately retired on May 31, 2017. In 1988, Johnny met his partner and future husband, Charles Ellis Russell (Buddy). In 2008, Johnny and Charles legally married in Santa Rosa, California.

On November 30, 2017, Johnny was diagnosed with a very rare cancer of the bile ducts known as cholangiocarcinoma and had resection surgery in January 2018. Johnny fought a very valiant fight with the help of Dr. Milind Javle, the foremost expert in this rare cancer, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, working collaboratively with his local oncologist at UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The care Johnny received allowed him to travel, pursue his hobbies and continue his greatest enjoyment, spending time with family and friends. In July 2019, Johnny and Charles made the trip of a lifetime with their close friends, Lee Hawk and Andy Page, to Montreal, Canada, this allowed Charles to be in a Commonwealth nation – a gift Johnny always wanted to give Charles. They also traveled to New England, completing Johnny’s goal of visiting all the New England states from his earlier visit in 1984.

Johnny’s hobbies and interests were extensive, to the point of being encyclopedic. He loved The Beatles, The Carpenters, Alfred Hitchcock, books, photography, traveling and all things Disney. He also had an extensive collection of vinyl albums, first edition popular authors and board games which he loved to use at gatherings with friends and family.

Johnny had an infectious charisma and love for life that generated in all of his friends a deep love for his charm, fun spirit and loyal nature. Johnny passed away peacefully at home with his husband of 31 ½ years, Charles, and his beloved orange tabby of 13 years, Alexandra. He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Ellis, his aunts and uncles, and mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Irene Russell (Thomas). Johnny is survived by his loving husband, Charles (Buddy), sister Joyce Ellis Wadsworth, his brother Don Ellis (Jackie), sister Jane Ellis Hester (David), brother James Ellis (Sherry), many nieces and nephews and his great-niece, Emily and great-nephew Tom. Johnny is further survived by his grandmother-in-law, Mary Tortorice, father-in-law, Chuck Thomas (Arleen), sister-in-law, Laura Russell Morgan (Steven), brother-in-law Daniel R. Russell (Connie), brother-in-law-Billy Thomas (Bianca), sister-in-law Christy Thomas Batson (Jeff) and many beloved cousins on both sides, especially cousins Carol Dawson and Jenine Bastas (John).

The family would like to thank all of the people who loving prayed and supported Johnny. We also thank Ms. Toni Pham, of Houston, Texas, his friend and advocate who fought so passionately for him, along with so many others in the support group.

Cancer occupied a small part of Johnny’s life, but it never defeated his spirt or faith. He will be deeply treasured and loved by all those who knew him. The family is grateful Johnny is in the presence of Christ and the Blessed Mother.

Visitation, Rosary and Funeral will be held on September 29, 2019 beginning at 1PM at East Lake United Methodist Church. Donations can be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, East Lake United Methodist Church or St. Andrews Episcopal Church.