William E. Ellis was born in Kingman, Ariz., in 1926, and passed away July 8, 2008, at his home in Arcata, Calif.

Bill attended Bayside Elementary and Arcata High School. He served in the Navy in WW II before earning a bachelors degree and teaching credential from San Jose State University. It was in San Jose that Bill met and married Joyce D’Avis in 1951. They returned to Arcata and Bill taught for many years at Stewart School and was Principal of Bloomfield School.

Bill also had his contractor’s license, and he eventually retired from the Arcata School District and moved into full time construction work.

Bill had a love for the Lord and a love for people. He was a long time and active member of Arcata First Baptist Church, where he led youth groups, Bible studies and Sunday School classes. He served as an Elder for many years and was currently leading a home group.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Ellis; his son and three daughter with their spouses; Bob and Ginny Ellis, Linda and Eric Western, Joan and Glen Brown, and Diane and Andrew Mitchell. He has nine grandchildren; Kyla, Tim, Kristin and Gianna Ellis, Ryan and Hannah Westeren, Malcolm, Ethan and Darius Brown. He is also survived by his cousins, Mary Catherine Wilson, Isabel Wilson, William and Karen Frazee, and James Frazee.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday July 25, at 3 p.m. at Arcata First Baptist Church, with a reception to follow. The church is located at 1700 Union Street, Arcata.

Arrangements are made under the care of Paul’s Chapel, Arcata.