William Ellis

William W. Ellis passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, March 25, 2023, in one of his favorite places — Upriver RV Resort in Fort Myers, Florida. Upon his passing, an "Army of Guardian Angels" were by his wife Donna's side and so many "Godwinks" blessed her for the journey home. Their kindness will never be forgotten, and faith has shown her the way home to Jackson.

Bill was born April 23, 1945, and raised on a 100-plus-year-old family farm in Perryville, Missouri. He graduated from St. Vincent's High School. Farming was an important part of his life, his character and love for agriculture. He was 77 years old when God called him home, and his family is certain he's planting fields on his John Deere tractor with a big smile.

His deceased parents were Harold and Catherine Ellis. His brother, Charles Nicholas Ellis, survives with his family. Bill has nephews, cousins and many who still live in Perryville.

Bill and his wife met at the University of Missouri in Columbia and, ironically, their relationship started on a "blind date" set up by a sorority sister. She grew up as an "Army Brat" and proof that opposites attract. He loved college, was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and always told his students, "You have to have fun while in college, but study hard, think deeply, laugh a lot, make friends, believe you can and always build relationships with others." He also told his students to take a chance, find something to enjoy and be passionate about it. Be humble always — success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal. Bill also emphasized being a lifelong learner and knowing that at the end of the day, you did your best. Bill's students loved his sense of humor, and whenever an occasion arose, they pranked him in good humor and respect. Every Halloween, for years, an outhouse taken from some student's farm was delivered to his front yard. His neighbors always looked forward to that! For his 40th birthday, a "hula dancer" appeared in the middle of class, did a dance, and all of his students were roaring. Bill just played right along, laughing. There were so many other pranks, but he loved every minute of it. John Deere and Chevrolet were his trademarks, and his students heard that often.

Bill and his wife, Donna, were married Aug. 24, 1968, in Columbia. They spent the next 54 years together making memories that will always be cherished by traveling, boating and spending time with wonderful friends. Retirement brought them many adventures in their fifth wheel, and they witnessed so many of God's awe-inspiring wonders. Their traveling Wheaten terrier, Ellie, also gave love and joy every minute of the day. She proudly sat on the console of the truck enjoying the road, happy to be a part of the family. The two greatest gifts from God in their lives were their son, Todd, and his wife, Denise. They will always be loved, and they enriched their lives beyond words. They both have been gifted with the ability to make a difference in this world, and Bill and Donna are so proud of them. Their love and support is a part of their souls. Nobody on Earth can ever love you more than your parents, and that they do!

Bill was known as "Doc E" — also, "Pigman", when he ran the University Test Station — by his college students and friends. He knew people everywhere he went. He either taught them at Southeast Missouri State University, were members of the agricultural community or the "Woodland Hills Gang" of amazing friends. He was always sincerely interested in their lives and enjoyed "solving the world's problems" with his friends of all ages, especially the "ol' guys" at Healthpoint. Bill loved learning and tried to make an impact on so many lives through teaching and just being their friend and confidant. His wife, Donna, was a high school teacher, and together they loved teaching for 72 years. They loved learning from their students and sharing their experiences with each other. It was a strong bond in their lives.

Bill received so many honors and accolades during his career. When he first obtained his doctorate, he worked for Monsanto with their "Bull/Boar Power" program. He learned a lot and was involved in many research projects. He always missed the family farm and, when the opportunity was offered to teach at Southeast Missouri State, he accepted and "came home". He wanted his son to have family and find joy in farming, hunting and the great outdoors together. From the time Todd was 6, they hunted together — geese, ducks, deer, turkey, elks. It was a passion they shared all through Bill's life. Once Todd and Denise married, the three of them shared the tremendous bond of hunting, and it was one of the greatest thrills in Bill's life. A day on the farm with them was a perfect day!

Bill joined the faculty at Southeast in 1979. A few of his accolades include Service Award from the School of Polytechnic Studies, PRIDE Award, Faculty Merit Award Recipient, Alumni Merit Award Recipient, Greek Professor of the Year and Outstanding Teacher Award from both the Order of Omega and Pan Hellenic. He served on the Governor's Swine Advisory Committee and was a member of the American Society of Animal Scientists, the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, Missouri Academy of Science and the National Agribusiness Marketing Association. He managed Southeast Missouri State University's Swine Test Station for 17 years and was a member of the National Swine Improvement Federation Board of Directors for nine years. In 1986, the Swine Test Station received the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Award. He also held a number of leadership roles with Cape County Pork Producers, and served on the education and program committees of Bootheel Cattlemen's Association. He was a member of Beef Improvement Federation, and was an Eagle Scout, co-director of freshman orientation at Southeast and a member of Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau. He was a member of Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Agribusiness Committee and served as vice president of Cape Girardeau County Extension Council. During his tenure, he developed new courses in the Department of Agriculture and wrote and received numerous grants to better the educational opportunities for his students. As Bill often said, "Set your goal higher than you can reach, then reach it!"

Prior to his service at Southeast, he was the swine confinement specialist at "The" Ohio State University and a technical cattle genetics specialist at Monsanto. He held a doctoral degree in animal science breeding and genetics, a master's degree in animal science production management and a bachelor's degree in agriculture economics with a business emphasis, all from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Upon receiving his master's degree, he served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Bill's wish was to be cremated and have no service. He said that if he made the world a little better and helped mold and encourage good young people, then he had accomplished his lifelong dream. He was thankful for absolutely everything and loved his family deeply.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory. Bill and his wife support St. Jude and pray that cancer will be conquered for all suffering children.

Secondly, a donation is not necessary, but in honor of Bill, the family asks that you "pay it forward" and do something nice and show kindness to another person. It will make your day better, the recipient will be astounded, and Bill will be smiling down with his super grin. "Love doesn't die, people do. So when all that's left of me is love, give me away."