Frank "Bud" Edward Ellis, 88, of Canton, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at his residence. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
He served his country during the Korean War in The United States Marine Corps. Bud was a dreamer from a small town, a loving brother and had always had a fascination with Carousels from a young age. From Okland City, In., Bud had fond memories of visiting the Carousel at the local zoo twice a month growing up which sparked a fire in him that he carried into his adult career. Bud had a short run as an aviation’s mechanic in the Marine Corps. After his service, Bud married his childhood sweetheart Johnnie and received a master’s degree in art and sculpture from the University of Indiana.
After moving to Chattanooga, Bud taught emotionally disturbed children and even went on to adopt three children with his wife. After accepting a position teaching at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he and Johnnie went on to open the “Horsin’ Around” carving school. Where through his experiences and help through friends along the way he realized his lifelong dream of building and restoring a carousel that now sits in Coolidge Park in Downtown Chattanooga where he had a hand in each piece that was carved on the carousel. After his wife’s death in 2002 he was lost and through prayer found Judy, they were married at the very same carousel that he had a hand in building.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Monday, March 25, at the First Presbyterian Church in Soddy Daisy, with Minister Robie Hembree, and Minister Peter Choi officiating.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25, with U.S.M.C. honors.
The family will receive friends from 9-11:15 a.m. on Monday, March 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Soddy Daisy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul C. Ellis, Sr. and Violet LaFollette Ellis; first wife. "Johnnie" Lamon Ellis; son, David Ellis; sister, Patricia Whittington; brother, Paul Ellis, Jr.; and granddaughter, Leann.
Survivors include his wife, Judith Ellis; children, Marnie Butinsky and Chris Ellis; children by marriage, John Proctor, Jim Proctor, and Jerry Proctor; sister, Cynthia Ellis; grandchildren, Candis Ellis, Ricky Ellis, Madi Furlong, Kyle Furlong, Amberly, Paige, Nathan, Autumn, and Michael; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.
In lieu of any local services, please send any flowers to: First Presbyterian Church 10612 Dayton Pike Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 423-332-2327 South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com
Arrangements are by Ponders Brainerd Chapel, 4203 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411, 423 531-4002, www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.