By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Charles Lee Ellison passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14 at his residence.

Ellison was born in Chilton County on Aug. 4, 1935, to Jadie Ellison and Irene Hamilton Ellison.

He served on the County Commission from 2000 to 2004. He also served in the army and retired as a lead lineman at Alabama Power. His presence in the community was a positive force that influenced many lives.

Aaron Ellison, operator of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home and a cousin to Charles Ellison, remembers him for his kind heart. He said that Charles’s dedication to the community would be missed and recounted how Ellison had helped him in the past.

“Charles was always passionate about helping people,” said Aaron Ellison. “He was one of those people; he wanted to do what was best for his family… and his community. If he thought there was a way that he could help you, he’d help you.”

His fellow commissioners admired him for his dedication to the community.

“While he was there he did an excellent job,” said Commissioner Bobby Agee. “He served with distinction and honor.”

“If he told you something, you could count on it” said Commissioner Heedy Hayes. “He had the people at heart.”

Hayes recalled when Ellison worked alongside fellow commissioners Rodney Benson and Aubrey Wallace to improve the County Commission’s meeting room. The group did the labor free of charge – a display of their dedication to the community.

Everyone interviewed mentioned the same thing: Ellison’s heart for people. His legacy is one of dedication, compassion and servitude. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community.