FREDERICK PAUL ELLIS OBITUARY 04/13/1948 – 01/03/2025

Thank you for being here to celebrate the life of Frederick Paul Ellis. Paul, as most knew him, entered this world April 13, 1948, and danced into eternity January 3, 2025. He was born to Ben & Roma Ellis; the fifth son and 9th child of 13 children. He was baptized after accepting Christ at age 7, and until the age of 13, Paul and his siblings were actively involved at the Center Bldg Mennonite Church in Shafter, alongside numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Paul grew up loving the outdoors, animals, gardening, and readily availed himself for any task at hand. No assignment was too big, small, or mundane. He was self-motivated, exceptionally curious and ready to take on the world, even as a child. Not surprisingly, he was driving at the age of 5, and yes, it was completely illegal! He was responsible for shifting gears and driving Wasco's sanitation truck as his dad and brothers jumped on and off tossing waste onto the bins, all before heading to school. After his experience with garbage trucks, driving any vehicle or heavy equipment, was a piece of cake. When Paul was 13, his family purchased 80 acres of farmland and relocated to Pixley, CA. The following year, his father unexpectedly passed away, which increased his determination to take on more responsibility for his mom and younger sisters. His father's death was a major blow and a critical turning point for the entire family. It was especially difficult for Paul, as he adored his dad and relied heavily upon his wisdom, leadership, encouragement, and spiritual counsel.

Paul was a naturally gifted athlete and his abilities certainly could have carried him far, however, he firmly believed college was the most important thing for his future. After graduating from Tulare Union High School, he attended College of the Sequoias. There he discovered a love for baseball, football, racquetball, and basketball. After COS, he transferred to Fresno State and earned his BA in Business and a Master's Degree in Business & Marketing. Paul enjoyed reminiscing about his college days, particularly during the time he served as Resident Advisor of Baker Hall. He was a born leader and mentor to fellow students and proudly shared his faith with them and with faculty.

Paul also had a soft spot for horses and saddled up for rides around the farm as often as he could. It was no surprise when at age 21, he accepted a position at Yosemite National Park. His employment in 1971, begin in the Maintenance Dept. The following year, he made history to become the first African- American Ranger with the Yosemite Horse Patrol's Forestry Division under the leadership of his dear friend, Ron Mackie. (Yosemite National Park had previously been patrolled by Buffalo Soldiers prior to the formation of the Forestry Division). The years spent on horseback as a Park Ranger, greeting visitors and traversing deep into Yosemite's backcountry, were some of Paul's favorite memories.

Paul always said his first "real" job was with Bank of America (after his mom insisted riding on horseback wasn't going to pay the bills). After a brief banking stint, he was approached by IBM for a sales position and found his way to Olympia, WA. Ironically, prior to IBM, Paul had never sold anything in

his life and he certainly knew nothing about computers! However, one of life's truly great mysteries was Paul surprising everyone (including himself), when he was consistently awarded achievement awards year after year and recognized with bonuses and trips throughout his IBM career! He was always packed and ready to catch the next flight to anywhere, along with another dear friend (the late Neil Takamatsu). Paul was a confirmed bachelor and had no biological children of his own, but absolutely adored his godchildren, Kristal Dale-Gray (Zach) and Jeffrey Washburn (Bekkah) and until his passing, cherished his decades-long relationship as godfather to them both. While in his late-30's, Paul began experiencing a number of physical irregularities which had him undergoing a barrage of medical testing. It was on his 40th birthday, that he received the life-changing diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. This was another turning point in Paul's life, one that he handled with grace, dignity, humor, and steadfast faith.

By 1994, M.S. had taken a significant toll on his independence and Paul recognized it was time for dependable and trustworthy help. It was then, Jerome & Stephanie assumed the role of primary caretakers; providing love, comfort, stability, and encouragement while tending to Paul's daily needs for the next 30+ years.

Paul's illness was not without challenges, but he was determined to embrace every day to the fullest relying wholly upon God's amazing grace. M.S. changed him in more ways than one, but more importantly, it strengthened his resolve to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he was able. His daily prayer

time became a treasured ministry for him. Everywhere he went, Paul kept notebooks with names and specific prayer requests, with or near him at all times. Following his morning shower, breakfast, and all-important sports updates, Paul would then go into his office for private prayer time to petition on behalf of every written name and request. His desire was for salvation and healing for those he knew and loved. There were some days when he would literally beat family, friends, and even strangers over the head trying to convince them of their need for salvation. Oftentimes, Stephanie would jokingly remind him that caveman-like tactics might not be the best way of persuading folks to seek the Lord!

As his M.S. progressed, additional help became necessary and the Ellis family would like to acknowledge the following individuals with deep appreciation and gratitude: Juan 'Johnny' B DuVerge, Juanita 'Neat' Foreman, Olivia Guizar, Silverleaf Morrow, Lynda Hunter, Claudia Guizar, Marie Anderson, Jamar Smith, and Rhonda Lisle. Paul was highly blessed with this incredible team that looked after him lovingly, sacrificially, with the greatest of care and respect. Paul's life was infinitely blessed by these phenomenal caregivers who also became an extraordinary group of friends. M.S. is never an easy journey, however, Paul's unwavering faith brought him through difficult times again and again and the love, devotion and selflessness from each of you, blessed him to thrive...we cannot thank you enough

Prior to being stricken with M.S., Paul was a dedicated and active member at Northeast Assembly of God for 28-years. In 2013, he moved his membership

to Family Community Church, under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Chester

L. McGensy. Paul knew right away that he had connected with his "forever" church home. He was kindly embraced and utilized his "salesman charm" to make himself known to the congregants. Paul looked forward to mid-week Bible study and Sunday worship, not just as a reason to leave home, but as a place where he felt and experienced the genuine love of God extended from FCC's leadership and church body. To say Paul was eager for his Sunday morning bus rides and uplifting conversations with Mr. Lee (FCC driver) & fellow passengers, would definitely be an understatement!

Preceding Paul in death were his parents, Ben & Roma Ellis; siblings, Virgie Richardson, Rev. Benny Ellis, Smith Mac Ellis, Deroy Ellis, Carolyn Lampkin, James Ellis, JoEva Jackson, and Annette Anderson.

Honoring Paul's legacy are his sisters: Addie Johnson, Charlotte Bailey (Alvin), Esther Ellis-Clement (Paul), Stephanie Nunnally (Jerome); sister-in-laws: Pearl Ellis, Barbara Ellis, Annie Ellis and Sylvia Gomez; brother-in-laws: Charles Anderson & Tullie Hixson; aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of family and friends. Special love goes out to Kristal Dale (goddaughter), and Jeffrey Washburn (godson); devoted friends: Hope Rosky, HelenAnn Washburn, and Robert Cate. You all enriched Paul's life with regular phone calls, impromptu visits, joining him to cheer on his favorite teams, or regularly surprising him "just because." A huge thank you also goes out to Pastor Chester & First Lady Janetta McGensy and the entire Family Community Church. You filled Paul's life with so much love and your love for him filled our

hearts with joy.

Our wonderful brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, Frederick Paul Ellis, was indeed one of a kind -- smart, handsome, well-mannered, good- humored, charismatic and always ready to give an answer for the hope of Jesus that fueled him daily. For all of us that knew, loved, and respected him, Paul was our blessing and this day we proudly proclaim: "Paul's chains are gone, he's been set free! Farewell, dear Pablo…until we meet again."