Charles H. Ellis Jr

Charles H. Ellis, Jr. passed away December 13, 2018 at the age of 84.

Charles was born February 7, 1934, in Fountain City, Tennessee, a small town near Knoxville, to Charles ‘Haywood’ and Opal Frances (Sinclair) Ellis. His father owned and operated the local five and dime store while his mother took care of the home. An only child, Charles grew up in Martin, Tennessee. He attended Martin High School and graduated in 1952. He went on to graduate from Murry State College in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science.

After coaching and teaching science for a year at Equality Township High School in Equality, Illinois, Charles served our country in the US Army. He served as an active duty commissioned officer from 1957 thru 1967 with the Intelligence and Chemical Corps. During his service, he helped develop night vision and nuclear carrying devices. He was active in the U.S. Army Reserve as an officer on the staff of the 420th Engineer Brigade in the Chemical Corps Intelligence Division, and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel upon his retirement in January 1980. From 1967 – 1970, he was employed in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M. Charles worked for many years for Moore Business Forms as a purchasing agent until his retirement. He later retired from the State of Texas after serving as Justice of the Peace.

It was while Charles was in the Army that he met his beloved wife, Nancy Ann McGlachlin of Bryan. They were both serving in the Army at the time, and were married on September 11, 1959, at Fort McClellan, Alabama. In their 59-year union, the pair were blessed with two children together, Denise and Matthew.

Charles devoted his life to service to his county and community. He was a member of the American Legion Post #159 since 1968, coached Little League while his son was playing, was a troop sponsor and adult scouter with the Boy Scouts of America, and served on the Bryan Planning Commission. He also served as President of the Bryan Noon Lions Club and was part of the Retired Officers Association, NRA, the Republican Party, and Toastmasters.

Charles leaves behind his wife Nancy McGlachlin Ellis, his daughter Denise Ellis Dye, his son Matthew “Matt” Sinclair Ellis, and his grandson Ryan Christopher Dye, who all live here in College Station. He will also be missed by his grandchildren D. Scott “Scotty” Dye II, Brandon Alexander Dye, Amanda “Mandy” Paige Dye, and his great-grandson Raymond Anthony Gomez, all of San Antonio.

In order to honor Charles’ life, his family has planned a celebration service and final military honors at Peach Creek Cemetery on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11 AM, with a viewing to occur at the cemetery at 10:30. A reception will be held at the graveside.