Herbert L. Ellis, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, at his home in Augusta, GA with his loving wife, Judy Parkman Ellis of fifty-six years by his side. 

He was born on July 31,1946 in Washington, GA to Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis. Herb was raised in Jacksonville, FL, where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964. He was recruited to play basketball at Augusta College where a beautiful young cheerleader, Judy, caught his eye and she eventually became his wife on August 26, 1967. Herb made lifelong friends with his fellow basketball teammates and through the years they have met annually to reconnect and enjoy a weekend of fellowship and golf. He left Augusta College and joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he was stationed in Cape May, NJ. Following his honorary discharge from the Coast Guard, Herb and Judy moved back to Augusta and he started his firefighting career. He started with the Richmond County Fire Department in 1978 and after many years serving the county, he took a job at Fort Gordon as a firefighter with the civil service. During his time with the fire department, on his days off, he built up a successful side business as a handy man and painter. He was always moving and didn’t like to sit still. Herb retired from firefighting in January of 2000 but he continued being a handyman until the last few years.

Herb loved sports, especially softball and all things golf. He participated in church league and travel softball with many teams. Herb excelled as a pitcher, and he could knock the cover off a softball. Since his return to Augusta in 1978 he never missed the Masters Tournament. His favorite spot to sit was behind number six green under the large oak, consuming egg salad sandwiches and occasionally a frosty cold beer. He spent many hours on the golf course and there were many memorable moments spent with friends and family on the links. 

Herb is survived by his wife Judy, their two sons and their children, Tripp and Lance, grandchildren Cal, Hayes (Tripp) and Parks, Preston (Lance). He is proceeded in death by his parents Herbert L. Ellis and Anne Williamson Ellis.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 23, at 11:00 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3185 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909 with the Reverend Rodger Murchison officiating. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Exchange Club of Augusta. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the memorial service. 

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to: Exchange Club of Augusta Charity Fund, P.O. Box 3884, Augusta, GA 30914.