Robert Ellis

DRUMMONDS, Tenn. -- Robert Bryan Ellis, 54, of Drummonds, formerly of Jackson, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016.

He spent the last four years of his life in a courageous attempt to overcome cancer. Though this struggle was not pleasant, Robert managed to spend time with his wife, Wendy, and his son, Robbie, as well as his family and friends. He spent the good days doing some of the things he enjoyed. He died peacefully at his home in Tennessee.

Robert was born on Sept. 6, 1961, in Cape Girardeau. His parents are John E. and Dorothy J. Illers Ellis of Jackson. In 1982 he married his first wife, Kim Schubert Solis, Robbie's mother. In 2000, he married Wendy Nicole Lewis.

Robert attended New McKendree Methodist Church. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1979. He furthered his education by attending the Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Robert was active in Boy Scout Troop 311 in Jackson, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1975. He also was inducted that year as an Ordeal Member of The Order of the Arrow, BSA Society of Honor Campers. He earned his Brotherhood in the Order in 1976 and was elected into the Vigil Honor in 1979 for his leadership and excellence in service to others. After relocating to Tennessee, he was an assistant scoutmaster with one of the local Boy Scout troops.

Robert was an avid outdoors man. He enjoyed many days fishing and deer hunting. He worked as a sign builder, making commercial signs for businesses across the Mid-South. He and Wendy opened Ellis Sign Shop in 2001. In 2011, he became general manager of Pyramid Sign Co.

Robert will be missed by the many friends he made on his walk of life.

Survivors include his wife, Wendy Ellis; his son, Robert John Ellis of Jackson; parents, John and Dottie Ellis of Jackson; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Diane Ellis II of Batesville, Arkansas; and his aunt, Nancy L. Ellis of Kirkwood, Missouri. He also is survived by his mother-in-law, Becky Lewis (Michael) Cuen of Nevada; sisters-in-law, Carrie Lewis (Jason) Bell and Kristen Lewis (Frankie) Vires, both of Virginia, and Teri Olive (Josh) Rivard and Savahana Olive, both of Nevada; a brother-in-law, Robby Lewis of Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert Illers and Dorothy Illers; his paternal grandparents, John I. and Elda M. Ellis; his father-in-law, Steve Lewis of Tennessee; and a brother-in-law, Ryan Lewis of Nevada.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 708 W. Main St. in Jackson.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions are welcome at any of the following: Cancer Research Institute, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006; A Sister's Hope, 6257 N. McCormick Blvd., No. 104, Chicago, IL 60659; or your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.