Ellis
WAYCROSS — Mr. James Franklin Ellis, Jr., 88, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026, at his residence in Waycross following an extended illness.
He was born in Fitzgerald, Ga., to the late James Franklin Ellis, Sr., and Arlie Mae Barnes Ellis. Early in life, he proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he worked for the Atlanta Fire Department.
After returning home, Ellis worked for the Georgia Department of Revenue for 14 years in the Alcohol Tax and Control Unit, where he focused on combating the illegal production and distribution of liquor throughout South Georgia. He continued his career in law enforcement as a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where he served for 13 years before retiring.
In addition to his career in public service, Ellis served for several years as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 314, making a lasti n g difference in the lives of many young men.
After retirement, he and his beloved wife, along with his brother Thurman and sister-in-law Sylvia, traveled across the country in their motor homes, enjoying new experiences and creating cherished memories together. Camping trips were a highlight of his retirement years, and many of his grandchildren enjoyed joining him on these adventures. Ellis also enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including woodworking, painting, arts and crafts, and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Annie Vernell Strickland Ellis; a grandson, Eli Hickman; and two brothers, George Ellis and Bill Ellis.
He is survived by four children, Jeff Ellis of Waycross, Renea Hickman (Harold) of Rhine, Byron Strickland (Arlene) of Lakeland, and Variee VanLaningham of Waycross; eight grandchildren, Sarah Music (Brock), Hannah Ellis, Delena McDonald, Ali Hickman, Celia McClelland (Jeremiah), Rachel VanLaningham, Matthew VanLaningham, and Luke VanLaningham; numerous great grandchildren; one brother, Thurman Ellis (Sylvia) of Fitzgerald; a sister-inlaw, Gayle Lupton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, October 28) at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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