Raymond Ellis

Raymond Phillip Ellis, known to all as Phillip, a man of deep faith, dedicated service, and quiet strength, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, following a long and courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Born on October 12, 1942, Phillip’s journey of service began early. At just 17 years old, he volunteered for the United States Army, where he served honorably for three years, including time stationed in Germany. This early commitment to duty set the tone for a life defined by hard work and community involvement. For many years, Phillip was a familiar face at the Mead, where he worked in paper inspection until his retirement from Domtar.

Phillip was blessed with two great loves in his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Eloise (Bussell) Ellis, on April 22, 1967. They shared 46 years of devotion until her passing in July 2013. In 2015, he found companionship and love again with Rose Mary (Bellamy) Smith, with whom he shared nine years before her death in January 2024.

A pillar of his community, Phillip’s life was anchored by his faith. He was a dedicated member of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, where his service extended far beyond the pews. He represented his congregation at the Holston Conference for many years and was active in the church choir and Silver Sounds. Phillip’s heart for others led him to participate in both local and national mission work. He was especially passionate about mentoring the next generation, serving as a church youth leader for years and continuing his leadership as a Boy Scout leader following his retirement.

When he wasn’t serving his church or community, Phillip found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially activities with his children and grandchildren. He was a regular at the bowling alley and enjoyed hiking. On autumn Saturdays, he could almost always be found cheering on his beloved University of Tennessee Volunteers and wearing bright “UT Orange.”

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Walter M. Ellis, Sr. and Winona "Florence" (Phillips) Ellis Charles; his first wife, Eloise (Bussell) Ellis; his second wife, Rose Mary (Bellamy) Smith; an infant son, Andrew Ellis; his brother, Walter M. Ellis, Jr.; and his sister, Brenda (Ellis) Lord.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Ellis Yarosh; his son, Jonathan Mark Ellis and wife Aimey; his sister, Faye Smith and husband Harold; stepdaughter, Lisa Jarvi and husband Paul; and stepson, Dan Smith. He was the proud grandfather of Caleb Yarosh (Mariah), Hannah Yarosh, Rowan Yarosh, Karissa "Mars" Yarosh, Lily Ellis, and Arwen Ellis. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to those who provided compassionate care for Phillip during his journey, including Gentiva Hospice, In-Home Services, Inc., The Blake Memory Care Unit, the VA Medical Center, and Holston Rehabilitation. A special note of thanks is extended to Libby Deel and Christine Kelley for their dedicated and individual care.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 550 Independence Avenue, Mount Carmel, TN 37645. A celebration of Phillip’s life will begin at 1:00 pm at the church. A processional to the cemetery will follow the service immediately for the burial at Church Hill Memory Gardens, 208 Lane Street, Church Hill, TN 37642.