William Earl Ellis Sr., 88, of Suffolk, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003, in Autumn Care.

Born on July 30, 1915, in Nansemond County, he was a son of the late Annie E. and Arthur H. Ellis Sr., and was the widower of Katherine Johnson Ellis. He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur H. Ellis Jr., son-in-law, Frank Richards and daughter-in-law, Shelby Ellis.

Mr. Ellis had retired in 1972, after 32 years of service from the Norfolk Naval Air Station, as a metal smith.

He was a member of Western Branch Baptist Church where he had served as deacon, choir member and superintendent of the Sunday School.

He was a charter member of the King’s Fork Ruritan’s Club.

Survivors include his daughter, Frances Richards of Suffolk; sons and daughters-in-law, Beverly Earl and Barbara Ellis of Franklin; Charles Eugene and Faye Ellis, William Earl and Loretta Ellis Jr., all of Suffolk; sisters, Lillian E. Kobler of Chesapeake; Evelyn E. Banks of Franklin; Ruth E. Kay of Chesapeake; Jean E. Babour of Portsmouth; brothers, Lee Ellis of Chesapeake, Ocie Ellis of Portsmouth, Royce Ellis of Smithfield; sister-in-law, Angela Ellis of Portsmouth; six grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in Western Branch Baptist Church by the Rev. Carter Dey and the Rev. Dr. Ray O. Jones, with burial in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home, and other times at the home of Frances Richards.

Memorial donations may be made to Western Branch Baptist Church Building Fund or to a charity of your choice.