Paul Texas Ellis

Paul Texas Ellis age 91 of Nashville, TN, passed away March 4, 2013. Paul was born September 21, 1921 in the town of Tranquility, TN, the youngest son of George and Bertie Wade Ellis. He served as a radio operator in the Army from 1942 to 1945. Paul married Isabel Wilkes of Memphis, TN on September 16, 1946. Paul was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Co. and its various incarnations for many years. For the first few years of his marriage he was transferred among several cities but eventually settled in Nashville, TN where he lived for over 50 years. Paul retired from the phone company after 45 years of service. After retiring, he sold real estate in the Nashville area. Paul's great passion in life was flying; he owned a number of single engine planes and later would rent a plane for an hour or so, flying over the lakes of Middle Tennessee. He loved to take his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandsons up whenever they were in town. He also enjoyed motor racing, and especially liked to go see the Indy 500 race. He participated in numerous activities of the Boy Scouts of America with his sons. Paul was a member of Saint Bartholomew Episcopal Church in Nashville, TN. Paul's wife of 63 years passed away in 2010. Survivors include: Son, Tom Ellis & wife Donna Mae of El Segundo, CA and their sons Matthew and Kevin; Son, Lee Ellis & wife Deborah of Knoxville. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, March 8, 2013 at Smith West Chapel. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Grandview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Texas Ellis please visit our Sympathy Store.