Millard Alden (M.A.) Ellis, Jr.

MILLARD ALDEN "M.A." ELLIS, JR. Florence, SC MILLARD ALDEN "M.A." ELLIS, JR., a prominent Florence businessman, died on Sunday, April 7, 2013, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence following a long illness.He was born in Florence County on July 9, 1924, the son of the late Millard A. Ellis, Sr. and Dolly Wray Berry Ellis. After graduating from Florence High School, he entered the Army Air Force in 1943 serving thirty-three months.He attended Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.During his high school years, he was active in all sports including the boxing team in Florence. Upon his return after his discharge from the Army Air Force, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Lib” Stokes and shared their life together for sixty-eight years.He was a lifetime member of Friendship United Methodist Church in the Mars Bluff area of Florence County. A very successful businessman, he was the founder of Ellis Sand & Gravel, Ellis Transfer & Storage and Ellis Marine.He was a very successful real estate investor and entrepreneur. He was a staunch Republican and loved and respected his beloved country. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Lib” Stokes Ellis and his five children, Delores “Dee” (Rick) Nash of Columbia, Randy (Helan) Ellis, Ray (Rosemary) Ellis, Marcia E. Moody, Charlie (Libby) Ellis, all of Florence;nine grandchildren, Brandon Ellis Yonce, Charlotte Ellis, Ashley (Nathan) Neighbors, Dana Moody Shriver, Alden (Deanna) Ellis, Tyler (Meredith) Ellis, Chaz Ellis, Damon (Rabin) Moody, Caroline Ellis, Todd Ellis, Rogers Moody, Jr., and twelve great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in death by his sister, Vivian Ellis Hudgins of Yorktown, VA on Monday, April 1, 2013. A Memorial Service and a celebration of his life will be held at Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Churchat 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, directed by Stoudenmire-DowlingFuneral Home.Services will be conducted by his grandsons, Reverend Alden Ellis, Reverend Nathan Neighbors, and Chaz Ellis, and close personal friend, Bill Yonce. Visitation will be held following the service in the church at the church fellowship hall. At the request of the family, memorials may be made to the Friendship United Methodist Church, 5422 Old Marion Highway, Florence, SC 29506 or to the McLeod Hospice House, P. O. Box 100551, Florence, SC29502-9963 or to the charity of one’s choice.