Billy Ray (Bill) Ellison
Billy Ray Ellison
Funeral services for Billy Ray Ellison, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Ellison passed away at 2:19 p.m., Friday, November 27, 2020, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born February 8, 1932, at Muldrow, Oklahoma, to William Ellison and Ida Thompson Pliler. On December 22, 1962, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Lois Edna Hicks. Mr. Ellison was a veteran having served with the United States Army. He was a Staff Sergeant in Korea. Bill retired from the City of West Plains as Electrical Foreman after over forty years of service. He was a reserve Police Officer for ten years and a volunteer fireman for twenty-five years. Following his retirement, he was a school bus driver for West Plains R-7 School District and was a car transporter for several local auto dealers. He loved his family, his church and working in his garden. Bill enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. Mr. Ellison was a faithful member of Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle for fifty-four years.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Ellison, of the family home; four children, Joyce Vonallmen and husband, Dennis, West Plains, Sherri Orr and husband, Chris, Alton, Missouri, Missy Heath and husband, Jason, West Plains and Michael Ellison and wife, Sondra, West Chester, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Ricky Vonallmen, Randy Vonallmen, Cynthia Benge, Seth Ellison, Mika Ellison, Jarissa Wright, Kelsie Orr and Christian Orr; eleven great-grandchildren, Charli Anne, Braydon, Madyson, Taylor, Luke, Ashton, Jordann, Zack, Lexi, Kamren and Avree; two brothers, Gary Pliler, Republic, Missouri and Ted Pliler, West Plains; two sisters, Mildred Young and Faye Collins, both of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, one sister, Betty Moorhead and two brothers, Bobby Ellison and Dallas Pliler, preceded him in death.
Mr. Ellison will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle or The Gideon Bible Society and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
November 29, 2020 @ 5:17 pm
The Ellison Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on Bill’s passing. During this difficult time may God encourage, support, comfort, and give each one of you peace. Bill was a joy to be around..always smiling and friendly each time you saw him. He will be missed. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Patricia Knox
November 30, 2020 @ 9:33 am
Lois, Joyce, Sherri, Missy, Mike and familes, I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have so many good memories of times spent with your family. I love you all! May God’s great love, and knowing you will see Bill again in Heaven comfort you during these difficult days.
Patricia Knox
Melinda King
December 2, 2020 @ 10:45 pm
Lois
My heart hurts for you but rejoices for Bill. What a legacy he leaves. May the knowledge of a life well lived and filled with love sustain you until you are together again.
Dustin Mahan
November 30, 2020 @ 12:39 pm
Ricky VonAllmen and family, I’m sorry for the loss of your grandfather.
Gary and Vivian Mitchell
December 1, 2020 @ 9:00 am
Lois and family. We are so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted knowing Bill is with the Lord and the Christian legacy he left behind for his family and friends.
Shelley Surface
December 1, 2020 @ 12:17 pm
Lois and family. I am so sorry to hear about Bill. He was one of a kind. He has always been a good neighbor to me as a child, and to my dad and stepmom. He always was willing to lend a helping hand anytime they needed anything. That is what true neighbors really are. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Each of you hold a special place in my heart!!! Love, Shelley
phyllis e reece
December 1, 2020 @ 1:53 pm
Lois and family, my deepest sympathy. Bill was a great person that I was proud to call my friend. He was always so pleasant and helpful. He gave great hugs and always had a smile on his face. He will be truly missed
Dennis Willard
December 2, 2020 @ 11:42 am
To Lois and family. Bill was a special person. His life is a testimony to that fact. He was a true friend and a great employee. Whatever Bill did, he did well. He too was a man after God’s own heart.
Joe Tom & Dolores Collins
December 2, 2020 @ 5:05 pm
So sorry to hear of Mr. Ellison’s passing he was one of the nicest men to ever live in West Plains, he was always a hard worker whatever he did, I will miss seeing his beautiful garden every year, He was a man of God the Ellison family is in our prayers.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
December 7, 2020 @ 5:45 pm
The Ellison Families,
Mrs. Bonnie James wanted me to pass on to all of you her deepest sympathies upon the passing of Bill. She was so sorry to hear of his passing. She is praying for all of you daily. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Mrs. Bonnie James