Raymond Monroe Ellis, age 74, of Wylie, TX; cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away at his home on October 19, 2018 with his family by his side.

Raymond was born on a Wednesday, March 15, 1944 in Wylie, Texas to Melvin Levi Ellis and Lee Etta (Reynolds) Ellis. After graduating from Wylie High School in 1962, he worked for Johnston Manufacturing Company and Collins Radio before proudly serving in the United States Army. He was charged in the maintenance of the Hawk Ground Surveillance Radar. While stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas he met and married his wife, Mary. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2018.

After being honorably discharged from the Army in December of 1968, Ray returned to Wylie where he and Mary made their home and raised their children. Ray's "real" job was working for Sears, retiring after 46 years. But Ray, a multi-talented guy who never ceased to amaze with his ability to design and build anything from complicated horse walkers to elegant stained glass pieces to functional pieces of furniture.

Also included in this array of talent was photography. He started taking pictures in high school for the yearbook and The Wylie newspaper. In the 1980's he took sports pictures for the same local newspaper along with wedding pictures and other locally commissioned pictures. He did his own developing and editing in his dark room. This love for photography led him to collect antique cameras. He won first place at the 1989 Texas State Fair for his collection. In addition, he entered into a photo contest with The Dallas Morning News in which he won first place with a picture he took in Mexico.

This only touches the surface of Ray's hobbies. He had a wealth of knowledge, loved to teach with his picture drawing instructions and his long explanations. In addition, his other loves were vegetable gardening, outdoor grilling and riding motorcycles across many States, with his beloved wife and friends Donna and Gene Woodward. That is what those that knew Ray, Dad, Papaw and Friends will always cherish.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Mary and their children, Tena and son-in-law William Gray, LouAnn Mitchell, Tammy and son-in-law Doug Thomas, ten grandchildren, Whitney Ellis, Jordan Ellis, Ty & wife Chelsea Gray, Justin & wife Valery Johnson, Brooke Mitchell, Peyton Mitchell, Lily Ludwig, Monica Thomas, Addie Thomas and Levi Thomas. There are also seven great grandchildren, Kayden Ellis, Emberly Johnson, Nakona Johnson, Ella Luna, McKenzie Gray, Weston Gray and Gunner Thomas. Also his surviving brother, Kenneth Ellis and sister, Betty Ellis Baric.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Lee Etta Ellis, his sons, Phillip and John Ellis, and his two brothers, Bobby and Melvin Junior Ellis.

Visitation: Friday, October 26th 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Allen Funeral Home, Wylie, TX

Funeral Services: Saturday, October 27th 11 AM
Wylie United Methodist Church, Wylie, TX