Billy Joe Ellis, son of the late Wilbur and Pearl Dowdy Ellis, was born near Bernie, Missouri on June 25, 1935, and passed away at his home in Morehouse, Missouri on October 7, 2014, at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 12 days.

Mr. Ellis was raised around LaValle and Parma, Missouri, and moved to Morehouse in 1963.  He was a mechanic and owned and operated Bill's Standard Station, Bill's Garage, and The Game Room.  He also had a fireworks stand for many years.  Mr. Ellis was a volunteer fireman in Morehouse, Missouri. He served in the US Army and was a former member of the Masonic Lodge .

On November 3, 1955, he was married to Shirley Ann Perrigan in Bloomfield, Missouri. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2008.
Surviving are two sisters, Norma Hoskins of Morehouse and Margaret Baker of Dexter; one brother, Ed Ellis of Parma; companion and care giver, Nancy Kindle; one step daughter, Denise Dunn of Wichita, Kansas; one stepson, Michael Stalnacker; three step grandchildren, Jamie Kindle of Sikeston, Jessica Parrish of Wichita, Kansas and Colby Parrish of Harrisonville, Missouri. Many nieces, nephews, and many, many friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Daisy Breece and two brothers, Paul and Dale Ellis .

Friends may visit Friday, October 10, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Morehouse, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Morehouse, Missouri with the Rev. Amos Johnson of Sikeston, Missouri officiating.

Interment with be in the Bernie Cemetery in Bernie, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Morehouse in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com
Watkins & Sons Funeral Service
info@watkinsfuneralhome.com or phone 573 624 3548