Funeral program for Mr. Johnny Ellis

JA. CeCeSration of Life
l^Lursday, May 28, 2015
11:00 AM
Ufagan TempCe grace (DeCiverance
Hagan, georgia
Interment: Hagan ChapeCCemetery
Johnny Bubba Ellis passed away peacefully on May 19,
2015 at Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, California after
a courageous battle. He was 71 years old.
Johnny was born on January 12, 1944 in Hagan, Georgia.
He was the second child of Rios Ellis and Emma Ellis. He joined
Hagan Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. After
the death of his father, Johnny helped his mother care for his
younger brothers and sisters. He attended Evans County High
School and was known for his athletic abilities in football under
Coach Virginia Albert and the Longhorns. After graduation
in 1962, he worked briefly in New Jersey with his high school
friends before going into the US. Army completing a tour in
Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
He returned home to marry Ms. JoAnn Davis of Daisy,
Georgia, and moved to Miami, Florida where he began a 35
year career in 1968 with the Miami-Dade Transit Authority.
As a bus driver, Johnny became a founding member of the
TWU Local 291. Johnny moved from shop steward to chief
shop steward and Vice President retiring as Secretary Treasurer.
He was known by union members as a straight up, no nonsense
type of guy. During these years, he also became a Master Mason
and Shriner at St. Joseph Lodge #8. Johnny enjoyed relaxing at
the VLI Club also knowns as the Bus Drivers Club.
After retirement, Johnnys illness required the help of his
brother Rickey and he moved to California where he was blessed
with advanced medical treatments and was able to survive
over 10 more years enjoying family and friends. Johnnys love,
concern, and genuine spirit will never be forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his father Rios Ellis, his brother
Charles Ellis, and grandson Chauncey Woodley. He leaves to
mourn his mother, Ms. Emma (Ellis) Randall; four children:
one son - Janon Ellis of Alexandria, Virginia; three daughters
- Stephanie Busby of Syracuse, New York; Sharon Brewton of
Claxton, Georgia; Terrace Ellis of San Jose, California. One
brother, Rickey Ellis of Northridge, California; two sisters:
Dorothy Mincey and Melinda Blitch of Atlanta, Georgia.
Five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, 1 great great
grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Ill never forget this man
Hes one guy who had a plan
Gentle spirit and well behaved
Johnny would also give God the praise
His love for life, was evident
You d know this everywhere he went
A soft spoken man, with patience galore
Had a certain swagger, hut still
open a womans door

Hed make you laugh, with just one word
Youd be shaking your head about
what you just heard
He loved his sisters and his brothers
but Rickey was his angel
Like no other
Oh he would advise you to pay your bills
Keep good credit, and go after good deals
Hed tell me, dont let your payments he late
Cause those creditors refuse to wait
Renting a house or apartment is ok
But look to buy a house is what he would say
Im gonna miss Johnny
He was so cool
He would even encourage me
to keep up with school
Sleep with the angels
Sleep real tight
From my heart I say
Good night Johnny, Good night
God knows Ill miss him
But Ill be alright
Because its not goodbye
Its only goodnight

Presiding.
......................Rev. Vivian Byrd
Hagan Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Musical Prelude..........................Bro. David Sharpe
Prayer....................................Rev. Vivian Byrd
Scripture
Old Testament......................Rev. James Howard
New Testament.....................Bishop James Hagan
Solo.............................Mr. Anthony Collins
Remarks.
...........................Mr. Sam Milton
Former Secretary Treasurer, TWU Local 291
Reflections from Friends
..Mr. Leon Carr
Mr. Jerome Bacon
Poem....................................Mr. Janon Ellis
Obituary..................................Read Silently
Acknowledgments..................Harpers Funeral Home
Words of Inspiration.
.Rev. Vivian Byrd
Final Glance
Recessional
The family will receive friends and share repast
at Hagan Temple Grace Deliverance
Lee Blitch
Anthony Douse
Tony Mincey
Dr. Charles Ellis
Bakari Blitch
Calee Blitch
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and many
acts of kindness during our time of bereavement.
Dr. Bahadini & Dr. Butterman
and Staff ofHoly Cross Hospital
Mission Hills, California
Staff of City of Hope - Duarte, California
Anheuser-Busch of Los Angeles
Family Friends:
Teshia Smith, Greta McConnell, Mario Meccia,
Eddie & Susan Garner, Andrew Perceleanu,
Richard & Nancy Greenberg,
Gledhill St. Community - Northridge, California
Nephews & Nieces - near and far
Professional Services Entrusted To:
Harpers Funeral Home
Juanita B. Hodges
Owner
Percy Hodges
Mortician
Claxton, Georgia
912.739.2658
Ylonne Hodges
Mortician
Yvonne Hodges
Manager
Jerry Gibson
Mortician