Raymond Basil Ellis of Aberdeen, formerly of Raeford, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2013. He was born August 23, 1932 to Henry Wallace Ellis and Katherine Mildred Martin Ellis. He was preceded in death by his son, Barry Dwight Ellis of Atlanta, Georgia. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, the Rev. Wallace Martin Ellis and Leonard Ralph Ellis; and his sister, Vivian Ellis Dull.
He was an avid collector of all types of old tools, coins, and glassware. He especially enjoyed flea markets and yard sales. For many years he and his wife toured the five-state yard sale. He cherished his time with his grandchildren, telling stories and showing off his collectible treasures.
He was a commercial builder for more than 40 years with D. R. Allen Construction Co. and Ellis-Walker Construction Co. of Fayetteville. Some of his proudest accomplishments included the home in Fayetteville that he built for his employer, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Allen. He also built the two homes in Raeford for his family. During his career he was very proud of the many churches and commercial projects that he built in the Fayetteville area and all over the surrounding states.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Connie Fulk Ellis of Aberdeen; sons Stephen Ellis of Aberdeen, Bruce Ellis and wife, Ja'Nae of Carthage, Dennis Ellis and wife, Diane of Raleigh; daughters Glynda Ellis Mealer and husband, Vaughn of Rolesville, Rhonda Ellis Faucette and husband, Tommy of Clayton; 11 grandchildren, Diana Ellis Dobbs, Kristen Ellis, Margie Hicks, Kevin Ellis, Brittanie Faucette, Brandon Faucette, Meagan Swayne, Alexis Weatherby, Jacob Ellis, Anthony Raymond Mealer, and Abby Mealer; and seven great-grandchildren, Alexis Dobbs, Hailey Dobbs, Justin Dobbs, Jr., Nathan Raymond Dobbs, Matthew Williams, Hannah Williams and Autumn Williams.
The funeral was conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 6 at Raeford United Methodist Church. A graveside entombment service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 10 at Raeford Cemetery where family and friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Raeford United Methodist Church, 308 North Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376.