Leroy (Big 12) Ellis

Leroy Jackie Ellis was born in Trenton, NJ. on May 31, 1943, to Reverend James Ellis Sr. and Mattie Foy Chapman Ellis. Leroy made his transition on December 16, 2010, at the Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nine brothers: James, William, Albert, Walter, Edward, David, Kenneth, Norman and Thomas Ellis along with three sisters: Evangelist Evelyn Tucker, Lucille Williams, Evangelist Rosetta Ellis and one niece, Barbara Williams.

Leroy attended Ewing High School and was an avid music lover and great storyteller who lived for the road and sharing life’s lessons with others. His life’s work included increasing awareness of the importance of diabetes, cancer and aids prevention for students, organizations and communities across the country.

Cherishing his memory are his children: Bryant Carthan (Tamarra) Jacqueline Ellis Maye (Brian), Terrence Scott (Kenya). Sisters: Dorothy Anderson, Mary Louise Ellis & Betty Ellis-James. Grandchildren: Mario Maye, Ellington Carthan, Brione Reid-Carthan, Jonathan Holley, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews along with his closest friend and brother Ernie Herron.

He will be fondly remembered as a man with great stature, a big heart and one of the greatest athletes Ewing High School ever produced.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2010 - 11AM at Ledford Funeral Home. The Interment will be held at Colonial Memorial Park, Hamilton. Visitation will be held at Ledford Funeral Home on Thursday from 9 - 11AM.

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