John David Ellison, Sr., age 80, of Calera died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 at his home.
He was the only child of Ellen Robertson and Comelious “Shorty” Ellison and was born in the same house that he lived in at the time of this death.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Pauline “Polly” Ellison and their five children; Paula Ellison Yoe of Calera, John David “Dusty” Ellison, Jr. (Lisa T.) of Monroeville, Michael Stanley Ellison, Sr. (Cindy K), Robin Ellison Andrews (Matt) , and Stephen Randal Ellison, Sr. (Kelly B), all of Calera; 12 grandchildren: Mary Beth Yoe Barnes (Jeff) and Daniel Yoe of Calera; Ginny Yoe Livings (Mark) of Birmingham, John David Ellison, III and Dustin Ellison of Monroeville, Michael and Nick Ellison, Brooke, Ashlea and Amy Andrews, and Steven and Joshua Ellison, all of Calera; three great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Hinton Livings, John Curtis Barnes and another great-grandchild on the way.
Mr. Ellison retired from Abex Corp. after 35 years of service in management. He was an all-around athlete and sportsman who played sports in Calera and Jemison and had the honor of playing on Jemison’s first high school football team. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball team and continued to play professional baseball between serving in the Army and World War II and the Air Force in the Korean War. While playing minor league baseball, after service, he met and married the love of his life in Tallassee, Fla., and they returned to Calera to start their family.
He was involved with many church, school, and civic, organizations including Little League Baseball, Quarterback Club (Captain), the Masons, and served as Past Patron of O.E.S. Chapter 499 in Calera, He was a charter member of Buxahatchee Country Club where he served on its board. He was an accomplished golfer and amassed a total of 8 hole-in-ones during his playing days, the last on his 78th birthday. Those later years were spent at Magnolia Meadows with his golfing buddies.
Mr. Ellison was a true servant and he felt blessed to do what service he could at his beloved Shiloh United Methodist Church where he was a lifelong member. He served on the Official Board in many capacities including as a trustee. He also sang in gospel quartets and served as choir director for many years. His many friends will remember his bright smile, his brilliant blue eyes and most of all his love for the Lord and his family.
Visitation at Bolton-Letlow Funeral Home in Columbiana was Monday night from 6-8 p.m. Services will be at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Calera at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Joe Raines presiding. Bolton-Letlow Funeral Home is directing.