Richard Heyward Ellis passed peacefully from this earth on November 10, 2023 in the loving home of his son and daughter-in-law. He was additionally tended to with great care and professionalism by Hospice Savannah and Shay Hazel.

Dick as he was called from an early age was the son of the late Raymond Grant Ellis and Helen Trapier Ellis. Dick was born in Glenside, PA. His parents met as students at Drexel University studying Fine Art. Dick's parents passed their genes for the love of the arts on to their four children, Margaret Ellis Dando, Jean Ellis Hoffman, Raymond Grant Ellis, and Richard Heyward Ellis: each of whom perused their passion by painting. Dick was an art history enthusiast, museum board member, speaker, and a collector of paintings and rare books. 

Dick attended The University of Wisconsin at Steven’s Point where he received his Naval Pilot’s Wings. In 1950, Dick served with the VF-41 where he flew off various naval ships during the Korean War. He received several commendations for his heroic service.  
In 1952, Dick joined Trans World Airlines as a First Officer. He later became a Captain and flew 747’s (with his resonance of voice his “in air “commentary was sure to command attention!)  in time he met his wife to be Dorothy Marguerite Rossiter who was a young Stewardess from Wayne, PA. Those were days fondly remembered for the civility and glamour travel was known to have and be dressed for. Dick and Dotty married in 1954 and moved to the North Shore of Long Island, eventually settling in Huntington to raise a family. 
 
After retiring from TWA in 1987, Dick and Dottie later moved to Sea Pines on Hilton Head, SC leaving behind a legion of fond friendships and beginning a new chapter while never losing touch but quickly acclimating to life, friendships newly dear and fulfillment here in the Low Country. Dick continued doing art appraisals, had an international rare book business in addition to his enthusiasm for contributing to the communities he lived in by volunteering for The Boys and Girls Clubs, tutoring with Volunteer’s for Literacy and other respected organizations. 

In 2010, Dottie passed away and in time Dick moved to Taylor Street in Savannah and later moving to Savannah Squares retirement community which he enjoyed and could be seen as a fixture reading his Wall Street Journal and Savannah Morning News on his patio. 

He is survived by his children, Mark Heyward Ellis, John J. (Joy)Ellis, Wendy Jean Ellis Smith (Craig); grandchildren, Jeffrey Trapier Ellis, Corey Heyward Ellis(Jackie), Morgan Taylor Ellis, and Coleman Craig Smith; numerous beloved nieces and nephews and his devoted Australian Shepard - Lacy.

Dick will be missed, noted and revered for a life well lead and loved. A small memorial service will be planned early in the new year and while long a contributing member of the Methodist Church his appreciation of American Indian spiritual beliefs was also part of his understanding of the hereafter.