Kenneth Lane Ellis Sr.

Ken was born June 3, 1945 in Gainesville, Florida, to Giles and Martha Ellis. He was married December 30, 1964 to his loving and devoted wife Sylvia Ruth (Hodsdon). He graduated Gainesville High School in 1963 and served in the U.S. Army. After his military service he attended business college and the University of Florida. His professional life includes Regional Management at R.J. Reynolds and National Sales Manager and President of Special Markets with Bic Pen retiring in 1987. Ken continued as a successful entrepreneur in the lawn, garden and wood industries. He established Agri-Products, Inc. in 1988 presiding as CEO/President until his death.

He was an active member of Bradfordville First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was an avid supporter of The University of Florida and a Bull Gator. He enjoyed membership in the American Seniors Golf Association where he served on the board. He was a residing member of Golden Eagle Country Club where he loved playing golf for over 20 years. He loved traveling throughout the world with his wife Sylvia. He enjoyed many hunting trips with friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Giles and Martha Ellis of Gainesville, FL and his brother Giles Lambert Ellis, Jr. (surviving wife Barbara) of Tampa, FL.

He is survived by his wife; children, Kenneth L. Ellis Jr, (wife Debbie) of Tallahassee, Dawn Ellis (husband Joel Needleman) of Needham, MA and William David Ellis of Tallahassee; his grandchildren, Lindsey, Kenneth III and Katherine Ellis and Avram, Hanna and Grace Needleman; his sister Suzan David (husband Bill) of Ponte Vedra, FL and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at Bradfordville Baptist Church: 6494 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL, on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:00am. Interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bradfordville First Baptist Church’s Building fund or the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association online at ALSFL.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.