Ellis Grays, age 87, of Elkhart, departed this life on Feb. 6, 2015. He was the son of the late John and Millie (Moore) Grays, born June 14, 1927 in Sikeston, Missouri. Ellis was one of 12 children. The family later moved to Portageville, Missouri. He was preceded In death by 8 siblings: Fred, Elmer, Earl, Richard, Edward, Lillian, Bessie, and Johnnie Mae Also surviving are 3 sisters, Bernice Thomas of Portageville, Missouri, Marie Woods of Louisville, KY, and Rachel Givins of South Bend, IN.
Ellis was united in holy matrimony to Margaret Ann Jones on June 15, 1948, and she preceded him in death on Jan, 26, 2015. This union was blessed with 6 sons; Elmer Joe (Genavine) Grays, who preceded him in death, Ellis (Helen) Grays Jr., John Allen (Diane, who preceded him in death) Grays, Charles Edward (Elizabeth) Grays, Earl Lavern (Ruby) Grays, Michael Pat (Mary) Grays, and one step-son, Sherman Jerome Booker; 2 daughters Margaret Ann House, Linda Marie (Lamar) Jefferson and one step-daughter, Belinda Marie (Rusty) Hodges. Surviving as well are 20 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 12 great- great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Mr. Grays professed his hope in Christ at an early age. He united with New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Portageville, Missouri, and became a deacon in 1980 under the leadership of the late Rev. D.T. Frazier, and later under the leadership of Rev. Lloyd Farr. He relocated to Elkhart, Indiana in 2013 and united with First Baptist Church of Vandalia, Michigan under the leadership of Pastor Michael Anderson.
Ellis was employed as a farmer for over 70 years, and retired in 2008. He was know as "Essie" to his family and friends. He loved the Lord and spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing and watching baseball, fishing, hunting, cooking and making snow ice cream.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Sat. Feb. 14, 2015 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.