Uncrowned Community Builders

Thomas Archie Ellis Sr. was born in Pineville, Louisiana on November 25, 1928 to the union of the late Robert C. and Florence Linscomb Ellis. Thomas graduated from Peabody High School I 1947. He served in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 and received a Korean medal and an honorable discharge. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from Grambling State University in 1957. At Grambling, he met the love of his life, Bertha MGaskey, and they were joined in holy matrimony on June 8, 1958. Two children, Thomas, Jr. and Sharon were born to this union. Thomas later received his Master's degree in Supervision and Administration from Southern University and 30 plus from Louisiana College and Northwestern State University. He also studied at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Mr. Ellis retired after 30 years of dedicated service as a teacher and principal in the Rapides Parish School System.

Mr. Ellis was a lifetime member of the Grambling State University Alumni Association and the Alexandria Grambling Tailgaters; member of the Retired Teachers Association; a chartered member of the VFW Post #8852 where he served as chaplain; director for the Voice of Democracy; a Connecting Link with the Alexandria Chapter of the Links, Inc.; ambassador for Arna Bontemps African American Museum; and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity where he was recently awarded the Distinguished Sigma Award. Mr. Ellis enthusiastically supported Threads Style Show each year on the runway to help raise funds for cancer research. He was also an avid golfer and bowler and found time to fit these pastimes into his busy schedule.

Mr. Ellis received many recognitions and awards in his life's journey. Most dear to his heart were recognitions received as an Outstanding Citizen from the cities of Pineville and Alexandria; appreciation of 180 hours and five years of volunteer service to veterans as the VA Medical Center; and special recognition and appreciation from Threads.

He was baptized at an early age at Good Hope Baptist Church in Pineville by the late Rev. Dan Hosea. He later united with the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where he continued his spiritual grown under the leadership of the late Rev. R.B Bennett and the late Rev. H.M. Booze. At the time of his death he was under the pastoral care of Rev. Stanley R Mathis. While at Antioch, Mr. Ellis served faithfully as a deacon and a teacher for the Sunday School Ministry, Brotherhood Ministry and Vacation Bible School. He was a member of the Brotherhood Chorus and thoroughly enjoyed participation in every Annual Senior citizen trip.

Thomas Ellis Sr. has left an indelible mark on all who survive him, and has now moved on. His presence with us lingers and will resurge through the memory of his exemplary life of service and the impact of his true goodness as a person. His parting diminishes us but we are comforted by his unwavering faith in Him who has promised to raise all of the faithful on the last day. We pray that he may rest in peace.

Mr. Ellis had two siblings, Bessie Mae Ellis James and James Ellis who predeceased him. His wife, Bertha, children, Sharon Ellis, Thomas A. Ellis, Jr. and Lionel Edwards, grandchildren, Mallory Brooke Ellis, Will Garrett, Jr., Thomas A. Ellis III, Darnell LaCour, Edwin Allen, Lindsay Allen and Trish Allen.

He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana.