Funeral services for William “Tuffy” Ellis, 81, of Chickasha, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2019 at Bible Baptist Church with Pastor Kim Hayes officiating.
William M. Ellis, known by most as “Tuffy”, was born on September 3, 1937 in Pocasset, Oklahoma to William W. Ellis and Josephine (Hill) Ellis. He died on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at his home in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
Tuffy grew up in the Norge area and attended school at Pioneer, playing basketball and baseball. He served in the United States Army for a time.
On February 28, 1959, he married Carolyn “Susie” Harris and they had 54 years together until her passing in December of 2013.
William lived in the around Chickasha all of his life and worked building homes in the area. Over the years, he had owned, partnered and operated several construction companies, including S&W Construction, Purdue Industries, E&E Construction, and William Ellis Construction.
He enjoyed calf roping, bird hunting and playing golf. He was a big kind-hearted man that loved to work. Tuffy will be deeply missed by many.
He was preceded in death by both parents; his wife, Susie; four sisters, Juanita Stephens, Mary Wood, Shirley Norman and Geneva Pearl Murphy; two brothers, Gene Ellis and Junior Ellis.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Kandi and Henry Bentley, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, John and Dee Dee Ellis of Chickasha; daughter, Kristi Ellis of Tuttle; grandchildren, Katelyn Bently and Tanner Pool; great-grandchildren, Rylan Bowden and Wisdom Lasenberry; three sisters Mickey Godbehere, Nellie “Red” Schiffman and Patsy Neumann; brother, Bob Ellis; many nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.
Viewing will be at Ferguson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 3rd from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. There will be no viewing for Thursday, July 4th. There will be viewing at the service on Friday.
Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.