ELLIS, George Burgess, age 85, passed away at the V. A. Medical Center Nursing Home in Tuscaloosa on Monday, January 27, 2014. Born January 31, 1928, Mr. Ellis was a long time resident of the Sandusky community of Birmingham, AL. Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Fred M. and Carrie Augusta Courtney Ellis, sisters, Carrie Madeline Wadsworth, Mary Adele Nalls, brothers, Fred M. Ellis and Herschel E. Ellis. He is survived by nieces, Betty W. Miller (Sid), Alice Fay Wade (Henry), of Birmingham, Betty Jane Tucker (James O.), Lakeland, FL; nephews, William H. Wadsworth (Shelia), San Antonio, Texas; George R. Wadsworth and Larry E. Wadsworth (Betty Ruth), Warrior, AL; as well as a host of great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews. Mr. Ellis served his country with honor in four branches of the military, the U. S. Coast Guard, U.S Navy, U.S. Air Force and the U. S Army. In his youth, Mr. Ellis was considered an excellent baseball player and was sought after as a player by many companies when company baseball teams were popular. He was also under contract for a while by a pro baseball league. He was an avid fan of Braves'' baseball and Alabama football. Following an injury, Mr. Ellis spent the last 20+ years as a resident of the V. A. Nursing Home, Tuscaloosa, AL. Mr. Ellis was genuinely loved and cared for by the wonderful devoted staff of the V. A. Many of his caregivers became much like an extended family to him. It is with great admiration and appreciation that Mr. Ellis'' family wishes to thank the doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and nurse''s assistants, social workers, and the many other staff members for their kindness and compassion toward Mr. Ellis.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3rd at Bell Forestdale Chapel with burial to follow at Village Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday one hour prior to service. Bell Funeral Home Forestdale directing.