| Ellis, William Wayne "Butch" | |
| Birth: | 1-5-1944 |
| Death: | 11-29-2024 |
| Comments: | Information from obituary |
| Burial: | Pleasant Ridge Cemetery |
| Obituary: | William Wayne “Butch” Ellis, 80, of Prescott, AR, passed away on Nov. 29, 2024, in St. Michaels Hospital in Texarkana, TX. He was born to Howard and Kitty Sue Ellis on Jan. 5, 1944, in Taft, CA. A nurse in Taft, nicknamed him “Butch” because he weighed 11 lb 4 ¾ oz. The name stuck. They moved to Prescott when he was 3. Butch is preceded in death by his parents: Howard and Kitty Sue Ellis; grandparents: William Valentine and Jessie Ellis; Lon Mann, 2 brothers-in-law, Vaughn Miller and Bob Higginbotham. He is survived by his wife: Linda Langston Ellis, of 57 years, of the home; his sons: Lonnie Ellis (Robin) of McKinney, TX; Brandon Ellis (Liz) of Durant, OK; 6 grandchildren: Liam Ellis, Bennett Laningham, and Cambrie Ellis of McKinney, TX; Brayden Roberts, Logan Ellis, and Ashton Ellis of Durant, OK.; a sister, Patsy Higginbotham, of Prescott; a sister-in-law, Louise Miller of Homer, LA and several nieces and nephews. He loved his personal family and his church family very much. After graduating from Prescott High School, Butch worked in his parent’s furniture store, (City Furniture), becoming the owner years later. He also serviced refrigeration appliances, installed carpet and linoleum rugs. He served in the National Guard 6 years. In 1965, age 21, Butch bowled 298, the highest score ever bowled at Emmet Bowling Alley at that time. He received a trophy, belt buckle and ring that noted the 298 score. From his teenage years, he loved to fish and deer hunt, up until 6 years ago. He killed many deer with a bow, many being 8 points. Due to damage to his spinal cord, from a car accident, at age 24, he became unable to work in the 80s and retired. Afterwards, Butch stayed busy turning wood vases on a lathe, selling many for several years at various craft shows in Arkansas. One customer remarked she thought it was “glass” instead of wood. Butch served as a deacon for 7 years, and as an elder for 12 years at the Prescott Church of Christ. He enjoyed teaching adult Bible classes for 37 years. He felt that was his most fulfilling and personal achievement of his life, by serving God in this manner. Visitation will be held at 1 pm, Sat. December 7, 2024, at the Prescott Church of Christ followed by a memorial service at 2 pm. Jim Honea and Bobby Smith will be officiating. Following cremation, burial will follow at a later date in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brazzel Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott. |
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