Avery Lee Ellis

Avery Lee Ellis, age 88, of Seaford, DE, passed away peacefully at TidalHealth Nanticoke, surrounded by family, after a sudden illness, on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Avery was born on June 10, 1936, in Seaford, DE, and raised in the Woodland community by his parents, Claude Daniel Ellis and Maude Elizabeth Willey Ellis.   He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul Edward Ellis, sister-in-law, Shirley Ann Ellis and daughter-in-law, Betty Jane Ellis.

Avery was always quick to laugh and tease, earning a nickname in some social circles as the Maytag man because he loved to Agitate people. 

He could be counted on to lend a helping hand, whether it was watching a grandchild or helping a neighbor or friend.   Avery has spent many years helping the GFWC Acorn ladies deliver the Seaford Telephone Books and set up their Christmas lights on Stein highway.  Avery was an active member in Woodland Community Church, often found helping in the kitchen, setting up holiday flowers or handing out bulletins. 

Avery enjoyed traveling but was always happiest being near the home farm, surrounded by family and friends.  Almost every morning, he would be out before the sun was up to start his coffee social rounds, which had multiple stops.  The afternoons, he might take a ride to see what the local farmers were up to.

While Avery wore many different hats (US Army Veteran, Railroader, DuPont retiree, Freemason, mailman, and farmer), his proudest hats were husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and friend.  He was our backbone, our patriarch.

Avery is survived by a loving wife and friend of 63 years, Louise E. Figgs Ellis, daughter, Deanna L. Collins (Brad), sons, Stephen K. Ellis (Laura) and Gregory L. Ellis (Celeste), grandchildren, Sarah A Ellis (Timothy), Jennifer L Ellis (Dylan), Jason G Ellis (Tina), Paige Collins Parlier (Keith), Claude J. Ellis (Kara), and Travis G Collins, great-grandchildren, Alexis, Haylie, Jordan, Karter, Savannah, Tyler and Rhys, and his brother, Calvin R Ellis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Woodland Community Church, 5123 Woodland Church Rd, Seaford, DE 19973.

The family would like to thank TidalHealth Nanticoke ER and ICU staff for their kindness, care and compassion during Avery’s brief stay.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with a public viewing from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N Shipley Street, Seaford, DE.  Burial will be private.

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