Nov. 28, 1948 – Feb. 12, 2014

NATCHEZ — Services for Joseph Ellis, 65, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Southwood Lodge Baptist Church with the Rev. John Elery.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Ellis was born on Nov. 28, 1948, in Natchez, the son of Charles Ellis Sr. and Alicia Washington Ellis.

He graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School in the class of 1969 and graduated from Alabama A&M College. He was a retired medical tech and former manager of Butlers Shoe Store Industry.

He was a former football player and three-time All American. He loved football and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Because of concerns about this health, he choose not to play.

Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Charles Ellis Jr. and Quinton Ellis.

Survivors include two brothers, Glen Ellis of Atlanta and Larry M. Ellis and wife, Elizabeth, of Houston; two sisters, Bettye Abram of Seattle and Geraldine Ellis Sewell of Natchez; two uncles; five aunts; seven nephews; seven nieces; three great-nephews; five great-nieces; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be cousins and friends.