Walter Fricco Ellis

Walter F. Ellis was born on November 17, 1963 to the late Oscar Sr. and Nora Ann (Bates) Ellis. He departed his earthly home, at the age of 59 on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Born and raised in Goodman, MS. Walter graduated from the former Durant Attendance Center in 1981. He enlisted in the United States Army the following year to embark on a journey that would shape his life and touch the lives of countless others. Throughout his distinguished 21-year career, he exemplified the core values of honor, integrity, and selfless service through his servant leadership as a Senior Personnel Specialist.

During his years of service, Walter ascended to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was deployed to various parts of the world, bravely facing challenges and sacrificing time with family in defense of his nation's freedom. His dedication to duty and his commitment to the well being of his fellow soldiers earned him numerous military honors and accolades, including the Bronze Star Medal, for meritorious service in Iraq. After retirement from the Army in September of 2004, Walter F. Ellis continued doing what he loved, serving the soldiers and families of the Fort Stewart and Hunter \ Army Airfield communities for another 19 years. His sense of humor, depth of knowledge, unwavering support, and kind spirit will remain etched into the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him in and out of uniform. Walter was an active member and Deacon of Liberty Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, under the teaching and leadership of Pastors Charles and Nancy Kornegay.

SFC Ellis (Ret.) leaves behind a legacy of strong will, perseverance, and a profound love for his family and friends. He is preceded in death by both parents and three brothers- Charles Ellis, James Ellis, and Arthur Ellis. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Janice Ellis; three children- Camisha Cole (Warren) of Goodman, MS, Shahid Ellis Sr ( Zarria) of Charlotte, NC, Brittney Ellis of Hinesville, GA, and his beloved fur baby Mason “ Bigg Boy” Ellis; four grandchildren- Quincy Ellis, Caitlin Cole, Warren Cole Jr, and Shahid Ellis Jr.; one Godson- Triston O'neal.

In addition, he leaves the following siblings to cherish his memories: two sisters- JoAnn (Ellis) Smith of Goodman, MS and Jackie Ann Howard of Durant, MS; three brothers- Oscar Ellis of Moss Point, MS, Larry Ellis of Louisville, MS, and Archie Ellis of Silver Spring, MD. His extended family includes mother-in-love Zellena Colvin of Valdosta, Georgia; Four sisters-in-love Edlene Buie (also known as his private nurse) of Valdosta, GA, Debra Ann Lewis of Valdosta, GA, Carla Stivers of Radcliff, KY., and Chasity Colvin of Valdosta, Ga. Six brothers-in-love- Patrick Howard of Durant, MS, Steven Lewis, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Isaiah Colvin all of Valdosta Georgia, and Michael Stivers of Radcliff ,KY

Lastly, he leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sister in arms, coworkers, adopted family, and friends who will forever cherish his
memory.

As we bid farewell to a hero who believed God and fought until his last breath, let us uphold the legacy of Mr. E, Walt, Frisky, Brother, Deac, Ezzy, Chief; all names that
he was affectionately called. He was a man of honor who dedicated his life to his faith and his family . He also had a love for style, hats, grilling and cooking....

May his spirit forever inspire us to live with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to making each other better people and the world a better place.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which was planted. "

- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

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