Gerald L. "Jerry" Ellis

Gerald L. "Jerry" Ellis passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at his residence.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Jamestown, NY area prior to moving to Lake Wales, FL in 1990. The son of Lester Ellis and Eila Annis Ellis Carlson, Jerry was born in Frewsburg, NY on July 22, 1928. He attended Jamestown High School and was active in the "Class of 46 Reunion Committee". Jerry was a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948.

Prior to his retirement, Jerry was a self-employed Mason Contractor with Grey and Ellis Masonry Contractors. He was a 50 year member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman local union #40. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Busti Federated Church, the Lakewood-Busti Golden Agers, a Life member of the Busti Fire Department and a member of the American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven, FL. He was a former member of the Thule Lodge, the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and the Carroll Masonic Lodge No. 1147 F. and A.&M. in Frewsburg, NY.

After his retirement, Jerry attended the Tower Lakes Chapel in Lake Wales, FL. He was active in the social activities of Tower Lakes, participating in their annual show productions as well as the golf and bowling leagues. He was always a happy person, noted for his laugh and his willingness to help others. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty J. Peterson Ellis. He is also survived by his son, Stephen G. Ellis of Orange Park, FL; three daughters, Marsha (Ed) Ellis Siperek of Oak Ride, NC, Cindy (Jay) Ellis Jenkins of Slidell, LA and Wendy (Jeff) Ellis Burkett of Cocoa, FL; twelve grandchildren, Erik Ellis of Gainesville, FL, Chris Ellis of Middleburg, FL, Jeri-Lynn Siperek Gibson of Cary, NC, Scott Siperek of Litchfield, NH, Janelle Siperek Robinson of Kernersville, NC, Sara Jenkins Marble, Stacey Jenkins Hunt and Stephanie Jenkins Howell all of Slidell, LA, Bethany Burkett, Ben Burkett, Brea Burkett and Brandy Burkett Rhoads all of Cocoa, FL; and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Robert Ellis of Jamestown, NY; and one step brother, Jack Carlson of IL.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his step-father, Oscar W. Carlson and one step-sister, Diane Holmes.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life will be held 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Tower Lakes Chapel with Rev. Jerry Williams.

Memorials may be sent to: Busti Federated Church, Mill Road, Jamestown, NY or to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778-9983.