On January 12, 1940, a blue-eyed boy was born to Selma and Carrie Williams Ellis.  They named him Graham LeGrand Ellis. A heart transplant recipient who always said he gave both hearts to the Lord, met his Savior on January 1, 2019.

He was first loved by his six siblings, the late J.D. (Marie), Wilton (Elwee), the late Woodrow (Sally), Marie (Erman) Merrit, Dianne (Sam, deceased) Smith and Walter (Wanda).

He saw the love of his life at the basketball game in Barnesville, NC and met her the following Sunday.  On August 13, 1960, Graham married Ada Jane Walters and they lived happily ever after for fifty-eight years.

The first man his children ever loved are Shelia Catherine (Terrell) Ellis, Melanie Jane (Kevin) Wayne, Kristi Leanne (David) Maultsby and Graham LeGrand II (Jody) Ellis.

The man his friends saw is the man his family is proud to say they lived with.  Graham wrote in his bible, "Don't tell God that you can't do something that His word asks you to do."  Graham was a life-long member of Hinson's Crossroads Baptist Church.  He served faithfully and with joy in all capacities, was instrumental in construction of the fellowship hall and playground.  He is most remembered for being Chairman of the Deacons for many years and worship leader for over forty-two years.

He was a wonderful provider for his family.  Outside of his community, he was a pioneer in Mobile and Modular Home Sales and Service.  He retired after thirty-two years, having been a General Manager and Regional Sales Manager in the industry and received his new heart a month later.  He was also a member of the Manufactured Housing Association of North and South Carolina.

The grandchildren who adored "Poppy" are Nicholas and Madison Ellis, Emily M. (Houston) Barnes, Forrest (Blair) Wayne, David Maultsby, Jr., Kirklyn Wayne, Noah and Catherine Grace Ellis.

"Poppy" now lives in Heaven with his grandson, Hunter Wayne and great-granddaughter, Chansley Anne Wayne.  They are awaiting us all for the greatest family reunion ever in the presence of God!

A time of visitation will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 6:00-8:00PM at Hinson's Crossroads Baptist Church in Fair Bluff.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2018 at 2:00PM at Hinson's Crossroads Baptist Church with Dr. Glenn Stanley, Rev. Brancie Stephens and Rev. Billy Stines officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Meares Cemetery in Fair Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Hinson's Crossroads Baptist Church, 1521 Hinson's Crossroads, Fair Bluff, NC 28439, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 206 Warrior Trail Road, Whiteville, NC 28472, American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA, 23060-9979, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.