November 24, 1931 – March 11, 2024

Carl Harley Ellis departed the mortal bonds of this earth and entered the eternal hereafter. He is now in the company of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his loving wife Joyce Ann of 60 years.

Carl requested his words be a part of his obituary. “To my Family, my Sweet Departed Wife's Family, and so many dear, dear friends. Thank You so very much for allowing me to share a little space in your life. I can only ask that each of you be absolutely sure that you know Jesus on a personal basis, that you talk with him, listen and "trust" His Holy Spirit voice that dwells within your heart. (John 3:16)”

Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Azalea Gunter Ellis, father, Clois Lee Ellis, sisters, Lee Ruth Cwiakala, Norma Jean and husband Wayne Adams, Johnnie Estelle and husband Joe Walker, one child, Lynn Ann, and two premature birth children.

Carl leaves behind his loving daughter Landa Ann, son-in-law James L. Cook III, grandson James L. Cook IV, granddaughter Ellis Ann, brother-in-law Tommy Willis and wife Vicky, sister-in-law Randi Gill, sister-in-law Mickey Holley and husband Arnold, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and distant relatives, of which he is so proud.

In his early years, Carl attended Comanche High School where he met his lifelong sweetheart "Red" on the tennis courts. They were married shortly after, in 1952. He proudly served in the United States Air Force before returning home and pursuing higher education at The University of Texas – Austin, graduating in 1957.

After graduation, Carl worked in a general capacity for Ford Motor Company until 1969 when he accepted an offer from Bud Brown to be his Sales Manager and eventual successor as Owner of the Ford dealership in Alvin, Texas. The name was later changed to Alvin Ford & Toyota and was successful until he sold it in 1990 to what is now Ron Carter in Alvin. He and Joyce would then start The Barbecue Company in Pearland, Texas in 1992, which they would run until their "retirement" in 1996. During his time at the Alvin Ford & Toyota and The Barbecue Company, he was involved in many community events including Punt Pass & Kick, Jerry Lewis Marathon, Frontier Days, and many more.

Carl was a master mason in the Grand Lodge of Texas Alvin Lodge and Tranquility Lodge.  And became a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason in 1967.  In 1975 Carl joined the Arabia Shriners in which he was a prominent and active member for many years serving in the Arabia Shrine Patrol and achieving honors of Fez Photographer, Chaplain, Potentate Emeritus Aide, and Chaplain Emeritus. He was also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

He served as President of the Alvin Manvel Chamber of Commerce in 1979.  While serving, he was interviewed by Sports Illustrated magazine regarding hometown hero Nolan Ryan where he was quoted “We in Alvin are just dad-burned proud of you.”  In 1980 he began service on the Board of Trustees at Alvin Community College, where he would serve 23 years and help implement the Leadership Institute, a program that would survive him. He was also active for many years with the Alvin Rotary Club, The American Legion and the Republican National Committee.

Carl worshiped in the community at South Park Baptist Church in Alvin for over 55 years, where he found fellowship and developed a strong personal relationship with Jesus.

Carl was a strong, kind, selfless man, and the degree of his goodness is indefinable, yet well-known to the many who loved him. For all the good Carl was, and for all the good he brought unto others, thanks be to Jesus Christ. He will be missed dearly by all.

Carl Harley Ellis, age 92, born November 24, 1931, in Comanche, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2024, in League City, Texas. A funeral service to honor Carl's life will be held at South Park Baptist Church, located at 1718 S. Johnson St, Alvin, Texas 77511 on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM with Dr. Howard Daniel officiating. The graveside service will be Sunday March 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Democrat cemetery in Mullin Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Shriners Children's Texas Hospital at  www.lovetotherescue.org.

"For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down – when we die and leave these bodies – we will forever have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forever more, made for us by God himself, and not by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1