Leroy Ellis, Jr., 75, of Paragould, passed away Friday, December 9, 2022.  He was born April 20, 1947, in Stonewall, Arkansas, to Leroy Ellis, Sr. and Neoma Whitworth Ellis.  After proudly serving in the U.S. Army, Jr. was employed by Emerson Electric for 21 years until his retirement.  Jr. was a tremendous family man.  Visiting and joking with his grandchildren brought joy to his day.  Jr. looked forward to his times at Mr. Addie's enjoying the company of all the guys.  He had a boisterous personality that lit up a room.  He touched people even when he did not know it.  Jr. loved his church family at Rosewood Baptist Church.  He served as a deacon for many years.  Hunting, fishing, gardening, and just being outdoors were enjoyable past times and doing these activities with family and friends were special times he cherished.

Jr. was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ruth Jackson.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Pam Ellis; children and their spouses, Tammy and Brian Massey, Rickey and Heather Ellis, Lori Lee and Jesse Vaughn, and Terry and Amelia Rogers; brother, Terry Ellis (Melissa); sister, Patricia Boyd (Gary); grandchildren, J.C. Massey, Cameron Massey, Jacob Vaughn (Alexis), Andrew Ellis, Madelayne Ellis, Aaryon Vaughn, and Ellisa Vaughn; and great-grandchildren, Baylor Vaughn, Silas Vaughn, and Gracelynn McCoy.

The family will receive friends Sunday, December 11, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, at Phillips Funeral Home with Dennis Strope and Heath Vines officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Joe Pratt, Anthony Baird, Tommy Justus, Kyle Bobo, Harold Warner, and Chris Young will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Wells, Danny Ryan, Jasper Wright and Jeff Cupples.  Special friends and honorary pallbearers will be Bo Baird, Don Orick, and Harvey Potter.