Burl Brian Ellis

On June 3, 1960, Burl Brian Ellis, Jr. was born in Chicago Heights, IL to Myrtle and Burl Ellis, Sr. On Friday, February 19, 2021, he prepared for his last departure and was given heavenly wings. He took flight, soaring to a new destination he has never seen before.

His beloved family is who he leaves to cherish his precious memory: Parents Curtis and Myrtle (Marie) Smith and Burl and Katherine Ellis. Devoted Husband Mr. Dexter Dowling, best friend Ms. Kay Wilson; Siblings Victor (Velvet) Ellis, of Toledo; Terrance Ellis of Chester, PA; Darryl and Curtis Smith, Megan (Skip) Davis, Rosalyn Smith all of Toledo, OH; Cory Ellis And Tonya (Ellis) Mustiful of Chicago, IL; Cynthia Ogba, Charlene Dudley of Omaha, Nebraska; Terry (Cora) Smith of Spring, Texas and Renee Spencer of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends.

In his early years, he began cultivating his interest in culinary arts, by preparing his first meal, breakfast in bed for Mom, complete with bacon, eggs, toast and coffee. Jr. as he is affectionately known among family, was as much interested in the arts as he was cooking. Jr. professed his faith at an early age and was baptized on November 7, 1976 at Universal Community Church by Rev. JW Chavers.

Soon, Mom and his brothers would return to her hometown Toledo, Ohio where Mom met and married Curtis L. Smith. Together, the family was among the first African Americans to integrate Whitmer High School after Jr.s brief time at Woodward. At Whitmer, he was a part of the marching band’s woodwinds section, playing the clarinet and he was active in the drama department on Toledo’s largest performing arts stage at the time. Jr. graduated in 1978 and was accepted into the College of Arts at Bowling Green State University. At BG, he was in the A Capella Choir, Men’s Chorus, Theatre and was a member of Theta Alpha Phi National Theatre Honors Fraternity. His artistic gifts expanded into fashion, costuming, sculpting, but his voice was rich and vibrant , perfect for theatre. Whether performing in Fiddler on the Roof, Mame or singing classic R n B, his love for audio and visual arts was life-long. This love sent him to a 6 month residency in Connecticut to pursue acting and theatre. Thereafter, he was invited to audition for the prestigious Julliard School and Conservatory in New York. This was an opportunity few people are able to experience.

Jr. began working at age 14, developing an honorable work ethic. Always moving forward, he became employed by American Airlines where the graduates received a formal champagne celebration and would receive their wings. He relocated to Dallas Fort Worth, and heightened his stellar work performance into 34 years of dedication to his career.

In Dallas, he met colleague Kay Wilson and nurtured a friendship that spanned at least 3 decades. In Texas, Jr. would be known to his friends and coworkers as Brian. His love for travel took him to places one would only imagine visiting because of his career. His travels gave him an opportunity to collect items from around the world that were beautifully displayed in his home. During his travel career and life journey, he met Dexter Dowling, affectionately known as “Dee” and they were married June 18, 2018. Together, they shared a life of adventures that included traveling, gatherings with friends, game nights, and a marriage filled with love. Brian enjoyed preparing unique menus and cooking for his and Dee’s friends each month while Dee enjoyed decorating. He enrolled in culinary arts school to enhance his natural talents in the kitchen which translated into lavish dinner parties with friends when it was their time to host.

Family was important to Brian, as he called his mother any day he was off work, sometimes twice. He never forgot a siblings birthday and would call on the day or as close to it as possible, when he was traveling. He loved to send cards, and had beautiful penmanship to accompany them. On Friday, February 19, 2021, he prepared for his last departure and was given heavenly wings. He took flight, soaring to a new destination he has never seen before.