Russell Edward Ellis, Jr. of 2174 Corbin Lake Rd. passed away on June 29, 2023 after a long battle of cancer.

He was preceded in death by parents; Russell Edward Ellis Sr. and Thelma Louise Ellis of Milton, New Hampshire, great granddaughter; Jordin Collins of Morristown, brothers; James (Jimmy) of Rochester, New Hampshire and Leon of Milton, New Hampshire.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Clarissa C. Ellis, sons: Philip Ellis and wife Tonya of Morristown, LTC Patrick Ellis and wife April of Murfreesboro, TN, granddaughters; MacKenzie Collins and husband Josh of Morristown, Lillie Ellis of Murfreesboro, grandsons; Mitchell Dylan Ellis of Morristown, Zayne Ellis of Murfreesboro, great grandson; Carter Mason Ellis and great granddaughter Eva Nicole Collins, brothers; David Ellis of Rutledge, Michael of Maine, Lloyd (Tarz) of Milton, New Hampshire, sisters; Marie Hersey and husband Roland of Milton, New Hampshire, Delores Tully and husband Patrick of Milton, New Hampshire and Pauline Collins and husband Brian of Palm Bay, Florida.

He proudly served in the US Army for 2 years. He also sang gospel music across the country with several quartets for over 50 years and worked for the Postal Service for 29 years.

Russ is leaving behind a host of friends, a church family he dearly loved and his ballgame buddy Beverly and brother-in-law Julian (Pete) Jones.

Receiving of friends will be Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Smith-Reagan Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 7:00pm with Rev. Scott Howerton and Rev. Taylor Howerton officiating.

Interment 10am, Monday, July 10, 2023 at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy. Knoxville, TN.

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Services entrusted to Smith-Reagan Funeral Home.