SINKS GROVE, WV --- Major Howard Lee" Sonny" Ellis USAF Retired, 87 of Frankfort, KY formerly of Sinks Grove, WV received his heavenly promotion on Sunday night, December 17, 2017 with his family by his side.
He was born at Indian Mills, WV, June 13, 1930 a son of the late William Bryce and Nellie Rose Spangler Ellis.
He attended Greenbrier Military Institute and he received his bachelors degree in business administration from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida.
He was Retired from the USAF with the rank of Major and many commendations after 20 years of service. He served overseas in Vietnam, Korea, Philippines and Japan, and was a member of the Air Medical Evacuation Unit and a hospital administrator. He continued his civilian career as a Hospital Administrator in Idaho, New Mexico and West Virginia before settling in to farm life once again on the family farm in Sinks Grove, WV.
He was a longtime member of Rotary International and Lions Clubs International serving as past president of each and a member of Rotary's Paul Harris Society.
He loved spending time with his family and friends, farming, horseback riding and music.
He was a member of Union United Methodist Church until moving to Frankfort, KY in 2012 and joining Buck Run Baptist Church and he was a former Chairman of the Board of the Monroe Health Center.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death a sister, Mary Jo (JoJo) and by his wife of 62 years, Sarah Jean Nichols Ellis whom he married on August 5, 1950.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Lisa Hart and husband, Steve of Frankfort, KY; Rose Ellis of Fairlawn, VA. And Brenda Walton and husband, Marco of Raleigh, NC; 8 grandchildren, Jacqui Keough and husband, Bradley; Lauren Bright and husband, Casey; Jacob Hart and wife, Holly; Luke Hart and wife, Shelby; Devin Coon and wife, Ranae; Jordan Klein and husband, Justin; Ashton Walton and Alex Walton; 8 great grandchildren, Lucy Keough, James Keough, Audrey Keough, Mayzie Coon, Mya Coon, Elsie Jane Hart, Eli Hart and Adalyn Bright; a brother, Wayne Ellis of Roanoke, VA; sisters-in-law, Shirley Bruce of Hampton, VA; Katherine Reed and husband, Joseph Second Creek; Sharon Trent and husband, Donald of Second Creek. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 am. Saturday, December 23, 2017 at the Union United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Trent and Pastor Jacob Hart officiating.
Burial will follow at the New Lebanon Gardens at Pickaway, WV.
The family will receive friends at the Groves Funeral Home in Union from 6 – 8 pm. Friday, December 22, 2017 and at the church 1 hour prior to the services. Those wishing to send online condolences to the Ellis Family may do so by visiting www.grovesfuneralhome.com
Military Honors will be provided by the U. S. Air Force.
The family request that you consider making Memorial Donations to The Wounded Warrior Project, The American Cancer Society, Union United Methodist Church or Buck Run Baptist Church Move Campaign.
Groves Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.