Obituaries

Donald D. Ellison

Photo of Donald D. Ellison
Donald D. Ellison, 81, of Fayetteville Arkansas, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. Don was born on December 15, 1934 in Bay to Woody and Pauline Ellison. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Sam and Avery Mae Doty. Don lived most of his life in Jonesboro, Ark., graduating from Nettleton High School in 1953. Don excelled in both baseball and basketball and was the starting guard on the Raider's first NEA Tournament Championship team. Don married the love of his life, Anita Murray, on September 15, 1953, a love affair that would last 63 years. The union produced three beautiful daughters, Donna, Diane, and Susan. Don and his father-in-law, Hubert Murray co-founded Murray Tile Company in 1958 where he retired as owner in 1996. Don was a member of the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Jonesboro, serving faithfully for many years. Don served on various church committees as well as being a member of the choir. Don loved all genres of music including gospel, blues, country, and rock and roll. He learned to play guitar in his later years, performing for the church. Don was a lifelong "Hog Caller." He loved the Arkansas Razorbacks, was a Razorback Foundation Member and a long time season ticket holder. Don followed his beloved Hogs all over the United States, cheering them on every chance he had. Don never met a stranger and loved to entertain and talk about a myriad of subjects, often inviting those without families into his home. Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Don is survived by his wife Anita, of the home, daughters Donna Drury (Dan) of North Little Rock, Diane Fletcher (Trent) of Jonesboro, and Susan White (Bryan) of Fayetteville. Grandchildren are Beverly Ewy (Barry), Scott Sides (Ashley), Wendy McClendon (Ryan), Tyler Timms, Tiffany Drennan (Kelby), Ryan Fletcher, and Brittany White. Great-grandchildren include Caroline Ewy, Blake Ewy, Isaac Sides, Kennedy Sides, and Lilli McClendon. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Emerson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Rex Darling and Rev. Jim Stillwell officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park. Serving as Pallbearers will be Scott Sides, Tyler Timms, Ryan Fletcher, Barry Ewy, Kelby Drennan and Micah Mathis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Bread of Life Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church in Springdale. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.

Published August 27, 2016

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