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