Ronald Charles Ellis

Ronald Charles Ellis, also known as “Ron,” of Dothan, AL went home to be with the Lord on July 27, 2026.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff and Billy Rich officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy and those wishing to honor his memory, consider making a donation to Southside Baptist Church.

Ron is survived by his cherished wife, Pamela Ellis, who he adored and made it his mission to love, support, and honor her. He also leaves behind his children, Carrie Graham and her husband, Scott, Casey Andrews and her husband, Eric, and Craig Ellis and his wife, Mandi; and his grandchildren, Carolyn, Julia, and Colin Graham, Caleb and Maggie Andrews, and Emelia, Thomas, Rosemary, and Shepard Ellis. He is also survived by his sister, Dawn Ellis; his brother, Randy Ellis; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Winton “Buddy” Ellis and Nadine Ellis.

He lived a life defined by faith, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. He was an active and devoted member of Southside Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and participated in countless committees, ministries, and initiatives. He especially loved being involved with Vacation Bible School and missions, always looking for any opportunity to serve his church and share God’s love with others.

He was a constant presence in his children’s lives. He coached, encouraged, participated, and showed up for their activities, sports, and endeavors. Whatever mattered to his children mattered deeply to him, and he gave freely of his time and energy to help them succeed.

He consistently cared more about others than he did about himself. He was extraordinarily generous with both his time and his resources, often recognizing a need before anyone had the chance to ask. Restaurant servers were always glad to see him seated in their section.

He loved Braves baseball and shared that love with his family. Among the memories his children will always treasure is cheering alongside him as Sid Bream slid safely home in Game 7 of the 1992 National League Championship Series, sending the Braves past the Pittsburgh Pirates and creating a moment they would relive together for years.

He will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of practical jokes, and his determination to bring laughter and levity into nearly every situation. He had a gift for helping people smile, especially when they needed it most. He loved cooking and was a true foodie long before being a foodie was a thing. He was quick to share his food adventures and favorite restaurants and loved sharing meals with the people he loved.

He was a role model for loving all of God’s children. He spent 42 years working in his community selling cars. He was known as a trusted advisor and had lifelong customers who wouldn’t buy a car from anyone else. Many of those customers grew into friends.

His famously messy desk may have been covered with papers and projects, but no matter how scattered it became, there was always a clear view of the photographs of his wife, family, and grandchildren – reflecting that which was most important to him. Above all, he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of his family, his church, and every person whose life he touched. He would want his legacy to be defined not by personal accomplishments, but by his love for other people, his generosity, and the countless ways he worked to make life better for those around him.

And now, he is in Heaven, singing his favorite hymns loudly from the second pew and waiting for his cherished wife to join him when she has finished playing her songs.

Ron will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and carried in the hearts of his family, church family, and friends for generations to come.