David Yates Ellis

Published 5:23 pm Monday, January 23, 2023

David Yates Ellis, 73, passed away Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, unexpectedly at his residence in Chesapeake. His hometown was Suffolk for more than 65 years. David attended Forest Glen High School. He has worked diligently for General Dynamics-Nassco Norfolk for 34 years and was actively employed at the time of his passing. Many knew him as a hard-working man, especially in his own yard. He loved doing lawn care so much so that he extended his passion to his family and friends by starting a lawn care business while working his full-time job for 20 years. He loved spending time with his family, especially his “grandgirls.” In his younger days, he was an avid softball player in Suffolk for 17 years. He loved sitting in his oversized recliner watching anything on classic cars, Westerns, home improvement shows, NCIS (all franchises) and Peppa Pig with his granddaughters. 

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Betsy Ellis; his “one and only” daughter, Julie Duncan; son-in-law, Jacob Duncan; and his beloved granddaughters, Lily and Charlotte. He also is survived by his sister, Sandra Babb; brother, Bobby Ellis; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, along with many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Robert Lee Ellis; mother, Virginia Benton; and brother, Harry Ellis.

To celebrate his life, a memorial service is at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Oman Funeral Home and Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. There will not be a gathering after the service. Flowers are welcome or please consider donating to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association. To leave condolences go to omanfh.com.