Richard "Wilson" Ellis

Tupelo—Richard “Wilson” Ellis passed away Monday, January 13, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. Born March 13, 1945, in Jackson, Mississippi, Wilson was the son of Ormand and Maylor McCann Ellis. He was a 1963 graduate of Provine High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at Mississippi State University in 1967. Wilson began his engineering career in Newport News, Virginia, but later came to North Mississippi to begin his career in sales with the furniture industry. 

In 1984, he married his best friend and soulmate, Lynn Brooks Ellis and they celebrated 40 years together. Wilson enjoyed many pastimes, but every hobby or activity was centered on one entity, his family. Whether traveling with Lynn, or spending time at their cabin at Bay Springs Lake, his priority and focus was on his wife, children and grandchildren. 

Wilson was a man of deep abiding faith whose devotion to God translated into a character of integrity, trustworthiness, and dependability. These attributes spilled over into every role he played, that of husband, dad, salesman, and friend. Wilson was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he was active in the New Dimensions Sunday School Class and served in the food pantry ministry. Before coming to St. Luke he was a member of Pontotoc First Methodist Church where he taught the adult Sunday School class.

Wilson was an avid fan of his alma mater, Mississippi State. The hours tailgating with his family and friends brought him much joy and created many family memories. As the first member of his family to finish high school, he also instilled the importance of education into his four children who all obtained a college degree.

Wilson was kind and sensitive with a keen sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Lynn Brooks Ellis of Tupelo; four children, Brian Ellis of Memphis, Rachel Mason Wiygul (Jeff) of Tupelo, Betsy Ellis Ward (Blake) of Madison, and Maggie Mason Giles (Rob) of Caledonia; nine grandchildren, Alison Lynn Cauthen (Gage), Jeffrey Wiygul, Brooks Kenney, Jackson Kenney, Caleb Giles, Conner Ward, Walker Ward, Caroline Giles, and Finley Ellis; a sister, Linda Ellis Sanders (Tommy); sister-in-law, Judy Marett (Larry); and brother-in-law, Jim Brooks (Amy). 

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Carol Brooks.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Reverend Amber Lea Gray and Reverend Rob Gill officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Pegues Funeral Directors has been honored to handle arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the St. Luke Food Pantry. Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com