THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 4, 1996 TAG: 9601040263
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: ALEXANDRIA LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Ellis Early, 48, died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, Dec. 26, 1995, in Sibley Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Ellis was born in the Tidewater area and graduated from Cox High School. He received his bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1969 from Old Dominion University and an MBA from Golden Gate University in 1978.
From 1969 to 1972, Ellis served with the U.S. Army where his last active duty assignment was in Korea. His commendations included the Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Ellis entered a career in Human Resources Management in 1972 with the Department of the Navy in Norfolk and held progressively more responsible positions until his disability retirement in August 1994 as director of civilian personnel programs and equal employment opportunity from the Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C. Assignments for Ellis and his family included New Orleans, Naples, Italy, and NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach.
Ellis delivered meals for Food and Friends, was an active member of the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C., where he was a caregiver, a founding member of the Maryland Bible study group and he regularly attended 12-step meetings and functions in the District and northern Virginia.
Ellis enjoyed attending church, country western dancing, traveling, movies and being with his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sharon Early of Arlington, and her family; his mother, Maggie Early of Virginia Beach; two sons, Justin of Arlington and Jason and his wife, Kay, of Virginia Beach; one brother, Larry and his family of Salisbury, Md.; and his close friend, Bob Ripperger, and many others.
Ellis was a happy and spiritual person whose wish for his friends and loved ones was that they not be filled with sadness, but move forward with love and appreciation for one another and fond memories of him.
Ellis' remains were cremated and are to be interred in Virginia Beach by his family. Contributions in his name may be made to MCC DC's Buchanian Memorial Building Fund, 474 Ridge St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, or to Food and Friends, P.O. Box 70601, Washington, D.C. 20024.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB