Thomas Ellis

Thomas B. Ellis, Sr., 89, of Roebuck, SC, died Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born March 24, 1933 in Spartanburg, SC, he was the son of the late W. R. and Ruth Henderson Ellis and was the husband of the late Barbara Solesby Ellis.

Tommy retired as a captain of the Spartanburg City Fire Department after serving 28 years. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and choir member.

Tommy, better known as Papa, was fun, quick-witted, and generous. He was every dog and every baby’s favorite person. He was always up for a new adventure or learning a new hobby, but his first priorities were always his faith and his family who he loved, taught, and led well. He and Barbara created a legacy of love in their large, close family.

He is survived by his children, Patty Hembree (Donnie), Tommy Ellis Jr. (Susan-predeceased), Tim Ellis (Teresa) and Nancy Seay (Kenneth); his grandchildren, Leslie Grigg (Anthony), Nick Hembree (Cindy), Katie Watchorn (Derek), Crissy  Harris (Josh), Kayla Johnson (Nick), Brett Seay, Clay Seay (Kaitlyn), Kendyle Seay, Sandy Moss (Mark), Joey Moss (Sue); her great grandchildren, Grace and Hannah Hembree, Adeline, Sam, and Annalie Watchorn, Bratton and Ellis Harris, Micah, Luke, and Millie Johnson, Thomas Seay, Brittany Hanvey (Alex), Meagan Smith (Kierre), Marybeth and Sydney Moss, Natalie and Maggie Grigg; his great-great grandchildren, Olivia and Hallie Smith, and Nate Hanvey.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Roebuck, where he was a member. Family visitation will be from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2023, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., conducted by The Rev. Joey Burnett. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 797 Old Georgia Road, Moore, SC 29369 or online https://www.bbcroebuck.com/give.