Ebil "Evil" Ellis, 94, of Freeport, made his transition from this earthly life to eternity, Friday September 19, 2014, after a long illness. He was born March 22, 1920, in West Mississippi, the son of Pearl (Bruce) Ellis and Roy Ellis. He married Hazel Obera King on October 27, 1941, in Freeport, and they shared 57 years of matrimony; she died September 4, 1998. He was employed for 43 years at Gunite Foundries, and took great pride in his work ethic and work product. He loved gardening and working in his yard. He proudly displayed his detailed yard work, plantings, and maintenance of his trees and shrubs. He was known for his ability to make a lawn blossom. He was a former member of St. James C.M.E. Church, eventually moving his membership to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Freeport, IL, where he served faithfully as an Usher and Trustee. Ebil leaves to cherish his memories, daughter, Carol (Victory) Bell, Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Roger C. Farrar, Rockford, IL and Bradley (Lori) Farrar College Park, MD; two great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a devoted godson/nephew, Ronnie (Lucy) Bush, Freeport, IL, who assisted his care; special cousin, Elizabeth (Eddie) Furdge; his St. Paul Baptist Church Family; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; seven sisters; and one brother. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2014, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 607 E. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL, with Pastor Demond Newburn officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in his memory.

Published in The Journal-Standard from Sept. 25 to Sept. 26, 2014