Obituary of James Odell Ellis

James “Joe” Odell Ellis Jr., age 79 of Shelbyville, TN went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019.

Joe was an only child, born May 29, 1940 in Nashville, TN, to the late James Odell Sr. and Grace Pearl Campbell Ellis. He was a 1958 graduate of Donelson High School. Joe is an Army Veteran. After serving in the Army he resided in Murfreesboro, TN. He retired from Bridgestone and Sims Recycling. Due to failing health, Barbara and he moved to her hometown of Shelbyville, TN in 2018.  

He is survived by his wife of 34 years Barbara Petty Ellis, sisters-in-law, Jo Ann Petty Hughes, Sandra Petty Bobo, Brenda Williams Petty, Karen Cartwright Petty Smotherman; brothers-in-law, Ray Samuel "Sam" Hughes, Malcolm Franklin Petty;  8 nieces, 8 nephews, 4 great nephews, and 28 first cousins.

Mr. Ellis attended the Bible Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville, TN. Joe was an awesome photographer, an avid Rock Hound, lover of airplanes, collector of airplane memorabilia, and a steel guitar player. Barbara and he traveled extensively in the early years of their marriage. Joe was a Christian man who loved people, especially nieces, nephews, and great nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held at Murfreesboro Funeral Home, 145 Innsbrooke Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37128 on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 10am – 1pm with services to follow at 1pm in the chapel. Interment will be at Rosebank Cemetery in the Flat Creek Community, 191 New Herman Road, Shelbyville, TN 37160 with Reverend Merle Mead and Reverend Kenneth Smith officiating.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Sanders, Neil Hughes, Nyles Hughes, Jamie Petty, Rob Parker, and Corey Petty.