William I. Ellison

William I. Ellison, 83, a longtime resident of Cleveland passed away Thursday, September 3, 2009 at a local healthcare facility. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. Mr. Ellison was retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving 20 years, from 1946 to 1966. He was a member of American Legion #40 & 8. He was a good provider for his family and he enjoyed talking about his career in the U.S. Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fate Ellison and Ruth Foust Ellison; loving son, Jerry L. Ellison who died in 2006. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruth Ellison of Cleveland; son, James Ellison and wife Vicki of Texas; daughter, Marilyn Jenkins and husband Dennis of Cleveland; sister, Mary Katherine Skidmore; brother, David Branson; daughter-in-law, Eileen Ellison of Texas; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 7, 2009 in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with Reverend James Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors. Dennis Jenkins, David Branson, Larry King, Randy King, Nick Parris and Emery King will be serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Ellison family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.