Robert 'Leon' Ellis, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 26th, at the age of 93.

Born on September 21, 1932 in Kilmichael, Mississippi, Leon was the first of three children born to Gladys and Grady Ellis. He spent his childhood in the outdoors shooting squirrels, hunting quail, catching fish and often working at his father's service station in downtown Kilmichael.

Leon attended Kilmichael High School and was very active in team sports and quite a talented athlete.  He started as a high school varsity football player when he was in 8th grade, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track. A treasured family memory is of the time he crowned his sister, Peggy, as homecoming queen the year he was Captain of the football team with his youngest sister, Dianne, being the team mascot and his future wife Boots, a cheerleader. His last football game as a Hornet, Leon scored 6 touchdowns against arch-rival Winona Tigers.

Leon married his high school sweetheart Mildred 'Boots' Pearson on May 17, 1952 and they enjoyed 73 loving years together. Early in their marriage Leon served his Country in the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a heavy equipment operator, a skill he learned while working for his uncle's construction company and paving the way for his lifelong career in road building.

Boots and Leon settled in Louisville, Mississippi, where they raised their son, and spent many happy years with a large group of friends. The Ellis compound was a gathering place for their friends; often found playing cards, organizing dances and telling tall tales. Leon was a world class Parcheesi player and a gifted dancer.

Recently, he and Boots relocated to The Orchard in Ridgeland Mississippi to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leon was pre-deceased by his parents Grady Leon Ellis and Gladys Austin Ellis, two younger sisters, Peggy Ellis Box and Dianne Ellis Lancaster and niece, Shelia Lancaster Cargile.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Mildred 'Boots' Ellis, and his only child, Tim Ellis (Vicki). He is also survived by his three grandsons who affectionately called him Durr; Austin Ellis (Julia), Peyton Ellis (Bailey), Reed Ellis (Marita), and eight great-grand-children to whom he was known as Dirt. He is also survived by his nephew and nieces and their children and grand-children.

He was a man's man, and enjoyed many hours of hunting on the Big Black River with his son, Tim, and nephew Mike Box, often returning soaking wet with stories of near drownings, sunken boats and lost guns. He was a dangerously fun and hands-on grandfather and leaves his grandsons with wonderful memories of age inappropriate scary movies, hatchet throwing, knife-wielding and lawnmower riding.

Leon was loved by all who knew him and will be missed. His friends and family are comforted by knowing he is now at home with his Savior.

On Monday, December 29, a visitation at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am service to celebrate his life will be held at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home, 114 Burney Drive, Flowood, Mississippi, 39232. Interment follows at the Friendship Cemetery in Kilmichael, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100, 100 Matsonford Rd, Radnor, PA  19087 in honor of Lucas Ellis, Leon's great-grandson, or online at helphopelive.org/campaign/22306.