March 25, 1949, the Weleetka, Oklahoma Herald announced the arrival of a baby boy born to Odis and Ceola Williams; they named him "Ellis Leo". He was the 2nd child to this family, preceded by Joyce Marie. Four other children later followed. Ellis grew up to be an adventurous young boy. He was always making things out of nothing. He received his early education in the Weleetka Public Schools. In 1959, the family now including, his maternal grandmother "Big Mama", Joyce, Ellis, at this time the family had two additional children; Lenora and Anthony & cousin Margaret Mason relocated to Tulsa. The family joined the Galilee Baptist Church and served in several capacities of the ministry. Sometime later they moved their fellowship to North Cincinnati Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Davis. In the mid 1960's North Cincinnati merged with another ministry and became known as Shiloh Baptist Church. Continuing his education at Carver Junior High School and graduating in the class of "1967" from Booker T. Washington High School. Ellis attended Job Corps where his quest for creativity increased. He could repair almost anything. He was later drafted into the United States Army where one of the jobs he enjoyed was a Paratrooper. After his time in the military ended he returned home where he met and married, Bettye L. Brinkley and took on a young son named Du'Ranne Ray "Tweet". . A few years later, Ellis and Bettye parted ways still maintaining a special friendship. Ellis moved his church membership to Timothy Baptist Church where his love for service increased and he enjoyed the role of an Usher. This position gave him an opportunity to smile as he would greet the parishioners as they entered to worship. If anyone needed a hand, he was there to help.
In 1973, Ellis joined the then called Frisco Railroad team as a welder. The company merged and became known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Over the 43 years that Ellis worked at BNSF, he received countless awards i.e. Employee of the Year, April 2016, he received an accommodation for Employee of the month, he received numerous Safety Awards, he also was featured in the Railroad Magazine for Safety.
In 1994 Ellis married Lisa Smith and became a father to her young sons and 3 additional children were born to this union. In 1999, the family joined their faith with the Hallelujah Church family under the leadership of Pastor's Dwayne & Judy Grundy where his desire for service had moved to the forefront. The Bible says: "anything your hands find to do, do it with all your might", and that is exactly what Ellis did. On his days off, he made repairs to his church. Any day of the week he would get a call from a family member or friend requiring his assistance in a repair or an adjustment. He completed the task never accepting money, he always said: "I'm doing this unto the Lord". He loved to praise the Lord; he expressed it by word & deed. He truly had a servant's heart. Here he served in the capacity of an Usher, Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Secretary of Hallelujah Corporation, & Building Restoration Coordinator and could be found working wherever there was a need. He loved the Lord and the business of the ministry. In 2007, Ellis & Lisa parted ways, still maintaining a special friendship as parented their children. He enjoyed watching and encouraging his children and family members as they grew in stature with God and man. He was a positive man that chose to see the good in everyone.
May 28th, Ellis heard his name being called, although he loved his family and friends, he loved God more. He had said his goodbyes and he left us to take on immortality.
Family members that met him in Glory: parents, Big Mama, brothers: Anthony & Richard, nephews: Anthony II, & Nicolas, niece: Nicole. The earthly treasures he leaves to cherish his memories are his children: Du'Ranne, Elltony (Nia), DeMarcus,(Alysha) Demetrius(Audri), James, Alicia and Lil Ellis all of Tulsa. His sisters: Joyce Thompson, (Lancaster, Texas), Lenora and Lynetta Williams (Tulsa). 7 nieces, 9 great nieces, 6 nephews, 11 great nephews, maternal aunt—family matriarch Juanita Jefferson, maternal uncle—family patriarch Sylvester Mason, Sr., Uncle Wyatt Mason, Jr. (Penzola), a host of cousins, family and friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Ellis Williams will be Thursday at 11AM at Sanctuary Evangelistic located at 5th & South Peoria in Tulsa.

Interment will follow at Green Acres Memorial Gardens in Skiatook, Oklahoma.

Friends may visit Mr. Williams on Wednesday from 1PM until 7PM in Tulsa.