Ellison, Olin Donald

Held Long Career With Southern Railway

  • Thursday, August 25, 2016
Don Ellison
Don Ellison

Olin Donald Ellison, 79, died on August 20, 2016.

Poppa Don, as we fondly called him, always looked for the positive in all situations and could weave hilarious stories based on simple life situations.

He had a natural and passionate curiosity about so many subjects. He was a self taught, accomplished civil war historian, an avid and successful treasure hunter and a collector of historical memorabilia.

He retired from Southern Railway where worked for more than 30 years as a machinist and diesel engine inspector.

In his retirement years, he lived in Lanark Village, FL. He was very active in the Sons of the American Legion, squad no. 0082, Lanark Village, FL.

He was also a proud founding and supporting member of the Tonya's Hope Cancer Fund.

He was a good man and the perfect dad for Belinda and Dave, his children, and a devoted grandfather.

He was the son of the late Frank Thomas Ellison and Erline Adams Ellison.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Dean Ellison and his sister Frankie Ellison Perkins.

He is survived by his daughter, Belinda Dale of Chattanooga; his son, Dave Allen and (Kathy Jo) Ellison, Auburn, AL; four granddaughters, Ellee Ellison, Carrie Ellison, Kristen Dale and Sonja Dale, a great-granddaughter, Paxston Williams, his sister, Sue (Mac) Brown, Atlanta, and his special friend, Mary Crain, Lanark Village, FL.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 1:30-3 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. The service will follow immediately after visitation at 3 p.m. at the North Chapel with John Dale Rector officiating.  Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Tonya's Hope Cancer Foundation at: Tonya's Hope Cancer Foundation, PO Box 1215, Lanark Village, FL 32323.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.  

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.


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