Joe Ellis, 90, of Center, Texas, passed away on April 22, 2018 in Center. He was born on July 23, 1927 in Joaquin, Texas to Nathan Percy Ellis and Audrey Cole Ellis. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Center. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin. 

 

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Center. 

 

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Joe joined the faculty at Center High School and taught history from 1949 to 1950. He was called back to serve his country again during the Korean War. In 1952, he returned to Center High School where he served as history, science, aviation and chemistry teacher. He also led the Junior Historical Society. After teaching a number of years, Joe became Curriculum Coordinator and Superintendent of Center ISD and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1985. To stay active and occupied after retiring, he became involved in raising registered shorthorn cattle and later, he raised cutting bred quarter horses. 

He married Winola Williams on May 31, 1953. They raised five children, three of whom became teachers. He joined First Baptist Church in Center in 1949 and taught a Sunday School class for over 50 years. He loved his Lord, his family and his church. 

 

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Winola; children, Julia Cassard, Susan Godfrey and husband, Michael, Joel Ellis and wife, Shannon, Jon Ellis and wife, Jackie and Cindy Harris and husband, Robert; grandchildren, Jonathan Godfrey and wife, Whitney, Jennifer Pirtle and husband, Justin, Clay Ellis and wife, Jesse, Lauren Gilbert and husband, Jeremy, Josie Harris and husband, Brad, Jace Ellis and Brandy Stringer; and nine great-grandchildren.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Audrey Ellis; two brothers and a sister. He is also preceded in death by his grandson, Joey Stringer and great-granddaughter, Olivia Ellis. 

Pallbearers will be Clay Ellis, Jonathan Godfrey, Randy Carroll, Jeff Young, Henry Suell, Brad Harris, Robert Harris and Justin Pirtle.

 

Honorary pallbearers are the members of Joe’s Sunday School class, Joe D. Anderson, Burton Brown, Jackson Pirtle and Cason Pirtle. 

 

The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C., 20090-7251 or to a charity of your choice.

 

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.