Alexander William “Will” Ellis, Jr., 33             

Alexander William “Will” Ellis, Jr., 33, of Dayton, died peacefully at his home on Friday, July 8, 2011 surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous 3 year battle with cancer.  He was born on December 7, 1977 in Goldsboro, North Carolina and was the son of Alexander William Ellis, Sr. of Virginia Beach and Sandra Rhodes Collins of Dayton. 

Will was a lifetime resident of Dayton and he loved his home and his family very much.  He attended Turner Ashby High School and graduated in 1996.  In 2000, he graduated from JMU, where he was the student manager of the men’s basketball team all four years.  Soon after and most of his career, he worked at Cargill in the accounting department, his co workers and friends were like family to him.             

He was an avid sports fan and loved going to JMU basketball and football games with his mother, brother, and friends.  Will also enjoyed playing poker and fantasy sports with his friends. Ever since he was a little boy, he liked all types of music and it could be heard throughout his home almost every day.             

Will was a kindhearted, generous and loving person.  He brought laughter and joy to all that knew him.  His family was very special to him and they fully enjoyed everything they did together.             

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Randi Clark and husband Paul Clark; a brother, Justin Collins; a nephew Cevaun Jones; a grandmother, Zelda Rhodes; all of Dayton.  Aunts, Susanne Rhodes Trobaugh and Kathy Rhodes Hornick, both of Harrisonburg.  An uncle Nelson Rhodes, Jr. of Dayton. Cousins, Luke Hornick; Angel Joseph Delawder, her son Chad Joseph and daughter Abigail Delawder; all of Harrisonburg, and Charlie Joseph and his daughter, Carly Joseph of Dayton.            

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Nelson L. Rhodes, Sr.; cousin and best friend John Hornick and his daughter Grace Hornick.             

The family will receive friends Monday at the McMullen Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Rev. Marty Doss will conduct a funeral service at Dayton Brethren Church at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.  Burial will follow at Dayton Cemetery.  Pallbearers include Sean Fletcher, Brand Sponaugle, Eric Funk, Casey Mullins, Trent Turner, and Craig Hofstetter.  Honorary Pallbearers include Jimmie Ritchie and Steve Wilt.             

Thank you to all that gave support and encouragement during his illness. Will lived his life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by those that love him.