Funeral services for David Spencer Ellis Jr., 66, of Huntington, will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Huntington with Mr. Ellis’ close friends and camping buddies Brad Forrest and Steve Spangler officiating. Interment will follow at Shofner Cemetery in Huntington, where Mr. Ellis will be laid to rest by his parents, grandparents, and son. David Spencer Ellis Jr., 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Ellis Hill on July 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
David was the beloved husband and best friend of his only love of 43 years, Dawn Yount Ellis. David was born in Angelina County on November 17, 1951. He was the son of Spencer and Lovy Ellis.
He attended Huntington Schools and resided in Huntington his whole life. He worked as a welder for many years at Texas Foundry. Later in life he started his own business, David Ellis Custom Carpentry.
He was able to do what he loved and share his craft as a master carpenter. He was known as a genius in wood and it is possible to see examples of his work in both public buildings and private homes across East Texas. David was a rare breed and was truly a good man, upright, honest, shaped by the land he loved and never deviating from the principles learned from his boyhood.
His life was about honesty, integrity, fairness, and hard work. His work ethic was a model of the highest code of conduct. He did not have a college degree, but his wisdom and intelligence could not be taught in any books.
His word and hand shake were stronger than any signed contract. He also lived his life instilling these traits in his children and grandchildren. David loved working with his hands, loved working on his family land, fishing and camping the forks of the river, and hanging out with his “best bud” Bingo.
He loved spending time and sharing these things with his family. Most of all, being “Papa” was his greatest joy in life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dawn Yount Ellis; son, Cody Ellis; daughter and son-in-law, Melody and Jason Whittemore; daughter-in-love, Tara Graham and husband Scott; daughter-in-love, Amanda Martin and husband Chad; his precious grandchildren, Drew, Hannah, and Payton Ellis, Cole and Maggie Whittemore, Wyatt, Preston, and Garrett Graham; brother, John Ellis and wife Molly; sisters, Ann Conner, Darlene Letney, Pat Bryan and husband Melvin, Cindy Scott and husband Keith; sisters-in-law, Billye Yount Lipscomb and husband Travis, Camille Yount Cawley, and Janet Yount; brothers-in-law, David Yount and wife Stacy, and Larry Lenamon and wife M’Liss; also many nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Lovy Ellis; son, Andrew Kyle Ellis; grandparents, John and Annie Laura Ellis, and Albert and Mildred Stanbery; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rev. Hubert and Ruby Yount; brothers-in-law, Coy Conner, John Yount, and Don Cawley; and sister-in-law, Kathy Yount Lenamon. Pallbearers will be Jordan Bryan, Landry Scott, Spencer Ellis, Jack Ellis, Scott Graham, and Jared Parker.
Honorary pallbearers will be “Papa’s Boys and Girls”: Drew Ellis, Payton Ellis, Cole Whittemore, Wyatt Graham, Preston Graham, Garrett Graham, Hannah Ellis, and Maggie Whittemore. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Hospice in the Pines at 1201 W. Frank Ave, Lufkin, TX 75904 in David’s memory. Visitation will be held Friday, July 13, 2018 at First Baptist Church Huntington from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin Directors.
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