John Earl Ellison, 72, of Little Rock Arkansas, came to visit this earth on July 18, 1947 and returned to his Heavenly Father on September 29, 2019.
He started his career as an enlisted soldier with the United States Army and served two tours in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Ultimately his military career led him to retire as a Sergeant from the Army National Guard. He also worked for the Central Arkansas Healthcare System for many years and then began another career as a long-haul truck driver, which became his passion. He was a faithful deacon during his tenure at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Cleo Nellum, Sr.; he served faithfully in many capacities at Covenant Faith Praise and Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor James and Brenda Jefferson. The Lord led him to unite with New Faith church family under the leadership of Pastor Izah Broadus.
He served many years as the Neighborhood Association President, where he influenced positive changes within his community. He also graduated from the Little Rock Citizen's Police Academy and remained active as an alum of the Association. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Prince Hall Affiliated and a long term member of the Heavenly Riders Motorcycle Club.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John/Julia Ellison Brewer, one brother, Joseph Ellison, and a son, Lonnie Charles Ellison. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty J. Ellison of 45 Blessed years, two daughters, Teresa Luster of Shannon Hills, Arkansas, Jonicia (Marcus) Mabry of Rogers, Arkansas, son, Richie Ellison of Bay Point, California; two brothers, James (Pamela) Ellison, Billy Ellison, four sisters, Dorothy (Fred) Smith, Vernita James-Greene, Juanita Adams and Pauline Shipp; sister-in-law, Frenchie (Joseph) Ellison; three grandchildren, Nikolas D. Wilbert, Frank Lewis Luster, Tierra C. Luster, and two great-grandchildren, Nikolas Jr. and Nikiyah Wilbert; A host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Family hour will be held at Premier Funeral Home Chapel, 1518 S Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202, on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 6 p.m. Home going services will be held at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, 600 East 24th, Little Rock, Ark. on Saturday October 5, 2019 at 11 a.m.

Published October 4, 2019