Ellis Burke
Passed 03/01/2026
Ellis was born October 31, 1939 in Eldorendo, Georgia. His parents were Clifford and Ella Mae (Washington) Burke. He was the oldest child of his father, Clifford, and the only child of his mother. In 1949 Ellis and his mother moved to Panama City and remained here until his death on Sunday March 1, 2026. Nonetheless he always referred to himself as a “Georgia boy”.
Ellis graduated from Rosenwald High School in 1956. After graduation, he began his life long occupation in Automotive Body Shops, beginning at Nelson Buick and retiring from Precision Collision.
In 1959 Ellis was contacted at home by Jehovah's Witnesses. He began studying the Bible with Bro. Miller Rose in January 1960, and attended his first convention in Miami, Florida later that year. He was baptized February 11, 1961 at an assembly in Albany, Georgia. Ellis was appointed as Congregation Servant of the Glenwood Congregation in 1963 and served in that position until the elder arrangement began in 1972. He had the privilege of being Platform Overseer for
Assemblies and Conventions from 1973 until 2000. He conducted more than 48 Bible studies and helped dozens of individuals to progress spiritually to baptism.
Ellis was an avid photographer, “The Picture Man”; an excellent cook who loved to feed family and friends, often delivering meals to shut-ins. He was approachable, and an attentive listener, easy to talk to, leaving others feeling refreshed. He was available, if you called he was there! Energetic, until his health failed.
Ellis was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years Gladys Murphy Burke. They had one daughter Quinton Burke Williams.
He was also father to Patsy Robinson who preceded him in death as well.
Sept. 3, 1993 He married Glenda Jackson Burke and inherited four other children: Jason, Kelly, Kyle and Jordan Harper.
Ellis is survived by his wife of 32 years, Glenda Jackson Burke;
Children—Quinton Williams (Bobby). Kelly Harper-Fugate, Kyle Harper, Jordan Harper (Ashley)
Sister—Deborah Crockett (Kenneth)
Grandchildren—Austin Williams (Natalia), Kristopher Robinson, Tia Rhodes (Derick), Ki'Ara Bogus(Devon), Tyler Harper, Khalil Roper, Jaiana Fugate, Adriyana, Kiana, Nayala,Joanna, Zeriah, Ivy, and Elizah Harper, Mariah and Sienna Harper.
Great-grandchildren—Sasha Williams, Romone, Paris, Milana, Malix, Derick, Jr., Rio, Ricco, Tatum, Braylen, Imani, Avery, Noah, Aulanni, and Harmony.
A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children and close friends.
Memorial Service
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
8120 Highway 22
Calloway, FL 32404