Leon Randolph Ellis

SEAFORD - Leon Randolph Ellis, died Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Richmond, Va. He was born Feb. 18, 1926 in Hampton, Va., son of the late J. Thad and Catherine Kelly Ellis. Leon entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1943, where he excelled in football. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944. He fought in the battle of Iwo Jima and was part of the Occupation Forces of Japan until 1946. After the war, he attended and graduated from the East Carolina Teachers College, now East Carolina University, where he achieved both his bachelors and masters degrees. At East Carolina he resumed his football endeavors and was elected Senior Class President. After marriage and becoming teachers, the couple relocated to Seaford, in 1954. In addition to his teaching career, Leon partnered in several Real Estate firms. He retired from teaching in the Seaford School District and established the Ellis Realty Company. Over the years his firm developed many properties in the Sussex County area. Leon was very active in the Seaford community. He coached High School sports and was an active member in the Jaycee's, the Lion's Club, Mt. Olivet Methodist Church and the Seaford Golf & Country Club. He was a founding member and manager of the Seaford Pool and helped found the original Jaycee Pool. Leon and Carolyn were active supporters of community organizations including the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and Seaford Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. Leon was a passionate fan of his East Carolina Pirate Football team and generously endowed his alma mater. Additionally he was a contributor to the University of Richmond and Washington and Lee University. Although Leon was an avid sports fan his favorite moments were traveling abroad with his wife, Carolyn, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his college sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Carolyn Raulfs Ellis of Elizabeth City, N.C.; his brother, J. Thad Ellis Jr.; and his sisters, Daisy Ellis Fox and Hazel Ellis Clark. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Ellis McClintock and her husband, Robert W. McClintock Jr. of Richmond, Va.; his sons, J. Thad Ellis II and his wife, Mary Beth Ellis of Atlanta, Ga., and Randolph L. Ellis and his wife Donna Ellis of Richmond, Va.; and nine grandchildren. Visitation will be 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2009 at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2009 also at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church. A private graveside service for immediate family will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, 315 High St., Seaford, DE 19973.