Richard Morris Ellis
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Ellis, Richard Morris, age 59, of Winchester, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2020 when his heart, so full of love and compassion, stopped beating. He was born in Syracuse, NY on September 3, 1960 to Eric Ellis, Ph.D., and Barbara Ellis, M.A. both of blessed memory. Richard lived in Sewanee from 1964 until the mid-80's when he moved to Winchester, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Richard was a lifelong congregant of B'nai Zion Synagogue in Chattanooga, TN.
As a developmentally disabled individual, born with cerebral palsy, Richard's joyous enthusiasm for friendship delighted those around him. Richard always greeted people and made them feel welcome and special. He was extremely kind and generous of spirit. The South Middle School "Richard Ellis Award" continues to be given in his honor to the student in the special needs program who tries their best, and demonstrates care and compassion to those around them.
For over the past thirty years, Richard has been under the kindness of daily care at New Life Center in Winchester. Richard considered his fellow clients and his caretaker's family as they did to him.
He is survived by his sister Susan Ellis Waskow and her husband Darryl Waskow of Hopewell, NJ and their children, Harry and Dorothy; by his brother Ralph Ellis and his wife Angie White Ellis of Peachtree City, GA and Winchester, TN and their children Abigail and Samuel; and by his sister Beatrice Ellis Fine and her husband Steve Fine of Leawood, KS and their children Benjamin and Eric.
A gathering of remembrance for family and friends will be held at the home of Ralph and Angie Ellis from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Central time on Saturday, February 8 at 120 Loop Drive in Winchester.
The funeral will be held on Sunday, February 9 at 9:00 a.m.Eastern time at the B'nai Zion Cemetery, 605 Lullwater Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405. Rabbi Susan Tendler will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Richard's memory be sent to New Life TN. newlifetn.com New Life TN is a non-profit agency for persons with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. Their mailing address is 702 Hundred Oaks Street, Winchester, TN 37398.
Arrangements by locally owned and operated Ponders Brainerd Chapel, 4203 Brainard Rd., Chattanooga, TN. (423)531-4002 "Funerals, Cremations, Cemeteries, Florists" YOUR SELECTED INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME"