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Obituary For Rudolph Ellis
Rudolph Ellis was the son of the late Robert and Pearl Pickett Ellis. Born and raised in Columbus County, he took great pride in being an "old country boy". He gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined Springhill Baptist Church. He later relocated to Durham, NC and joined North East Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, faithful usher, and loyal member until his death.
After graduating from West Columbus High School in 1954, he married Ella Mae Williams, who preceded him in death. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he faithfully served for more than three years and attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4). During his military service, he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and later served in Augsburg, Germany. He was honorably discharged after completing his distinguished service to his country.
In 1958, he joined Home Security Life Insurance Company in Durham, North Carolina, as a mail clerk. While working full-time, he attended night classes at Durham Business College, where he earned an associate degree. In 1962, he was promoted to become the company's first African American insurance agent. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he later became the first African American Assistant Vice President of Sales Promotion and Advertising. He enjoyed a successful career with Home Security Life Insurance Company that spanned more than 35 years. After taking early retirement in 1993, he continued his commitment to serving others by working as a special needs school bus monitor for 11 years.
Rudolph was a gifted storyteller who was known for his warm sense of humor, generous spirit, and kind heart. A skilled carpenter and certified mason, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by building the family home where he resided for more than 65 years until his passing. He took great pride in creating a lasting legacy for his family through his craftsmanship and dedication. Among the many lessons he shared, he encouraged his family to be avid readers, lifelong learners, and faithful believers in God.
He is survived by his devoted wife Edna T. Ellis; three children: Michael Ellis, Sonya Ellis Watson (Orlando), and Sherrie Ellis Mahan (Russell). He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Beverly Ellis Morgan (Howard) and his granddaughter, Alana Watson. He is also survived by six cherished grandchildren: Farrah T. Morgan, Jocelyn Ellis, Marshall Ellis, Lauryn Mahan, Russell Mahan III, and Harrison Ellis Mahan; three great-grandchildren, Madysen Clarke, Max Guerrero, and Chloe Guerrero; two brothers, Seymour Ellis and Larry Ellis (Kim); his brother-in-law and best friend Elton Tabon (Shirley) and his brother-in-law Elvis Tabon (Eugenia); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Funeral Service:
Friday, June 12, 2026
Visitation: 12:00 PM
Funeral: 1:00 PM
Location: North East Baptist Church | 3204 NC-55, | Durham, NC 27713
Interment: Ellis Memorial Garden 4832 Chadburn Hwy Whiteville NC 27713
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The Addazio Family planted 1 trees in memory of Rudolph Ellis . - June 11, 2026
Louis Addazio sent Serene Lily Basket for Rudolph Ellis - June 11, 2026
Doug and Everdel Bullock planted 10 trees in memory of Rudolph Ellis . - June 10, 2026
Andrea Alvarez sent Bountiful Red Rose Spray for Rudolph Ellis - June 10, 2026
Ryan glenn sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Rudolph Ellis - June 10, 2026
Lonnie Ewing sent Heartfelt Memories for Rudolph Ellis - June 10, 2026
Adelaide Staton planted 10 trees in memory of Rudolph Ellis . - June 10, 2026
Shalia Nealy sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Rudolph Ellis - June 09, 2026
Vicki Gardin sent Joyous Flower Arrangement for Rudolph Ellis - June 09, 2026
Rudy was always fun to talk with great guy as a former coworker we had lots of laughs at DPS bus lot.God bless your soul brother!
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I loved and looked up to that Man almost as much as Rev. Massey. He was just as fun, and a great psychiatrist to all the children in the church. Without Rev. Massey, Uncle Calbert, and Mr. Ellis, the children, teens, and young adults wouldn't have had so much fun, fun that no other churches in the New Hope Association ever did. In the 70's - 90's those Men didn't stop their work to make NORTHEAST BAPTIST CHURCH a place of worship and fun.
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Uncle Rudolph was always a kind man. I remember my brother and I spending a few weeks in Durham during the summer with Grandma Dowdy, but always ending up at Uncle Rudolph's house riding his or Sherries horse. He always had a story that he shared that always included family. My Uncle Y, Aunt Lori Lawrence, and Uncle William Lawrence both shared with me this week that Uncle Rudolph always did the right thing especially when it came to making sure my father (Ronnie Dean) would see his dad Dr. William Lawrence Sr. Since they all resided in Durham.
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I knew Rust at Peoples Security Insurance. Always cheerful, pleasant to talk with. RIP Rudy. See you on the other side one day.
I remember Mr. Ellis as having a warm smile and comforting laugh whenever I would come over to visit my friend, Sherrie, growing-up in Durham. His presence as a loving father who deeply respected the Lord will always be a strong part of our village as children (and adults)! His beautiful family is a positive testimony for our community, and we are thankful for your service in life, Sir. Amen.
My sincere condolences to the Ellis family.
My condolences, sympathy and prayers to the families!🙏💐
I am blessed to have known Uncle Rudolph and many travels when I came in the summertime NC . Sending you, Aunt's Faye, Mike, Sonya, Sherrie and the whole family strength and peace as we navigate this heartbreaking time.
Wishing you sincere sympathy at the loss of dearly beloved, Rudy. May God comfort you during these deepest times of sorrow. Know that God will take care of you and see you through to better days of beautiful, loving memories of Rudy. We continue to pray for you and the entire Ellis family. Love, Rick and Vandora
Sending sincere condolences to Faye and the family. So sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏♥️
My deepest condolences to the family. You all are in my prayers.
To the Ellis family, sorry to hear of his passing, Mr. Ellis was our insurance man.
While I did not know Mr. Ellis well, Matthew 7:17 tells us that "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit" (NIV). Knowing the loving nature of his children tells the story of a great father and a kind man. His smile reassured me when last I saw him. He was loved and well cared for being surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Rest well Sir! Your legacy is strong and well protected!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
