Leslie Ray Ellis, 73, passed away Dec. 5, 2008 at Nansemond Point. A native of Roduco, N.C., he was the son of the late Hulda Robertson and Joseph Elliott Ellis. He was predeceased by his wife, Selma Vann Stanley Ellis and 10 brothers and sisters.
Ray retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, shops 26 and 17, as a nuclear welder on Oct. 31, 2008, having given 34 years, 10 months and one day. Prior to working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he worked at Suffolk Iron Works for 17 years, and seven years at Kincaid & Spivey Co. Ray was an Army Veteran, and served during the Korean conflict. Ray was a multi-champion in duck pin bowling, and was an avid salt and fresh water fisherman. He loved a good turkey shoot, and enjoyed western movies and books. Ray loved to work.
Ray is survived by his daughters, Faye Harrell and husband, Sherwood, of Suffolk, Linda Writtenberry and husband, Gerald, of Suffolk, Lisa Helms and husband, Tom (Marty), of Monroe, N.C.; grandchildren, Kristie W. Cunningham and husband, Jeremy, Tara W. Moore and husband, Art, Hollie W. Will and husband, Andy, Tyler V. Helms, Collin Ray Helms, Autumn B. Helms; five great-grandchildren; three nieces; two nephews; and a very special friend, Carolyn Ricketts.
A funeral will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory by the Rev. Doris V. Byrd-Madison with burial in Holland Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Sunday from 7 to 8 p.m. and at other times at his home. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.