Billy Ellis

Mr. Billy Ellis, 86, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee on May 21, 1938. Preceding him in death were her parents, Charles McKindley Ellis and Elizabeth Magnolia Murr Ellis. 

 He is survived by his close friend whom he called his niece, Ellanor Morrell.

 Mr. Billy grew up in the wake of the Great Depression in Tennessee. While the Great Depression sounds unbelievably scary for people in this day and time. The lifestyles for people around here didn't change as much as they did for people in big cities. Most families in rural Tennessee already knew how to live without many of the conveniences we take for granted now. They grew, raised or hunted most of what they ate. Clothes were made and/or handed down. Anything else was a luxury and they knew how to barter or stretch a dollar to get by with what they had. 

 He, unlike a lot of his peers, did manage to make it through high school without having to drop out to work and help support his family. At some point growing up he found an ability to work on cars. This developed into a passion which comprised a big part of his identity in life. His talent at turning wrenches and restoring cars led to him getting an article published in Hot Rod magazine featuring one of the cars he had put a lot of sweat equity into. If you had the opportunity to visit his home, he kept the magazine prominently displayed on his coffee table to show off his handy work.  

 Many people knew him from the classic truck he restored and drove around. It had a unique color combination. It was painted purple with a red leather interior. It was purported he had another passion in life. He was a self-styled Romeo, who loved the ladies. Combined with his passion for hot rods, there were probably more than a few ladies whose heads were turned and fancied a spin around the block with him. 

 Sadly, life threw him some curves health wise. As he got older, he began to lose his mental and physical faculties. He needed help doing things at home and thankfully, that was when he met Ellanor. She helped him with things at home. He appreciated her care and help so much, when they were out running errands, he would introduce her as his niece. She didn't mind having an extra uncle, so it worked out for both of them. Finally, he got to the point that even her help wasn't enough for him to be able to remain independent. God took over so he doesn't have to worry about his failing health or his fragile body anymore. 

 Mr. Billy will be cremated. There are no services planned at this time.

 Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story.