John Richard “Pop-Pop” Ellis

Mr. John Richard “Pop-Pop” Ellis, age 90, of Zebulon, passed away November 14, 2023, at his home.  He was born in Griffin, son of the late Jesse Taylor Ellis, Jr. and Mary Nell Grantham Ellis. Mr. Ellis was a Korean War Veteran and Medic in the United States Air Force where he served for eight years.  For three of those years, he traveled throughout Europe with the Air Force Band. He was a talented musician who could play numerous instruments including the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. As a side job he would repair instruments for others. 

After being honorably discharged, Mr. Ellis took a job at Delta Airlines. He worked there for 30 years, retiring as a customer service agent. Mr. Ellis was an avid photographer and a member of the American Legion Post #197 in Zebulon and their official photographer, and a freelance writer and photographer for the Pike County Journal-Reporter. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer with the Young Eagle aviation program at Candler Field in Williamson.  He enjoyed being outdoors and liked to fish. 

 

Mr. Ellis loved his church and was a faithful member of St. Peter the Rock Catholic Church in Thomaston. He was a kind and gracious servant who always went the extra mile to help others. He was a loving husband, and father, and a doting “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Patricia Ellis and sons, Kenneth Stuart “Scooter” Redding Jr., and Gary Keith “Hollywood” Redding, and brother, Jesse Taylor Ellis III.

 

He is survived by his sons: Richard Ellis, Stephen and Joyce Ellis, Mark Ellis and Jeff Redding; daughter-in-law: Vickie Redding; grandchildren: Ashlee Redding, Kelsey Beam, Austin Allred, Jacob Redding, Brandon Manley, Megan Talley, Maru Ellis, Ian Reyes, Brandon Davis and Cory Davis; many great-grandchildren.

 

A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1 p.m., in St. Peter the Rock Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin. 

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter the Rock Catholic Church Building Fund, 3594 Barnesville St., Thomaston, GA 30286,  in memory of Mr. Ellis.

 

Moody-Daniel