Thomas Harrison Ellis Jr.

Thomas Harrison Ellis Jr., age 76, of Tool, Texas passed away on Wednesday January 8, 2020. Thomas was born September 12, 1943 in Walland, Tennessee to T. H. Ellis and Kate Ellis, one of thirteen children. Thomas attended Porter High School, in Maryville, Tennessee, and his first jobs included driving a coal truck for the family business, and a boat delivery truck for a local distributor before joining his brothers Dave and J.R. in Dallas. Thomas' first job in Dallas was for the Sweetheart Cup Company, where he worked for many years. After leaving Sweetheart Cup he moved on to Reliance Electric, which changed ownership a few times during his employment, and was known as Rockwell Automation at the time of his retirement.

In Dallas he married Helen Flores, on May 17, 1970 and the couple had two children, Mark and Tom.

After retiring from Rockwell Automation, Thomas moved to Tool, Texas, where he enjoyed his retirement by Cedar Creek Lake. There he cultivated a community around his love of music, and fellowship, where many will remember him for his broad smile, and as the founder of the Oak Shore Drive Happy Hour Club.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, and numerous brothers and sisters; and is survived by his ex-wife, Helen Foley, of Dallas, Texas; siblings Sam Ellis, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia; Edward Ellis, who resides in Bulls Gap, Tennessee; Katherine Williams, who resides in Dandridge, Tennessee; Dortha Gilland, who resides in Newport, Tennessee; and Kenneth Ellis, who resides Powell, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sons, Mark Luna, of Dallas, Texas; Tom Ellis, of Bryan, Texas; his "furry son," Cedric Wayne Ellis, of Tool, Texas; and his granddaughters Erica Peña, of Dallas, Texas; and Rebecca Luna, of San Antonio, Texas; as well numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be most remembered for his love of music, in wide and varied forms; his infectious smile, jovial spirit, and commitment to friends and family; and his deep support for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 17, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228. A committal service will occur Friday, January 17, 2020 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Grove-Hill.com for the Ellis family.