Celebrating the life of
William Charlewood Ellis, Jr.
August 06, 1930 - September 20, 2018
Bluffton lost a charming gentleman, a kind, generous, gentle soul, William Charlewood Ellis on September 20, 2018.
He was born August 6, 1930 in Memphis, TN. and grew up in Kingsport, TN after graduation he attended Sewanee University. He proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. After his service, he moved to Atlanta, GA and was much sought after as an interior designer. His work was featured in many publications. He became an expert in 18th Century English antiques. He moved to Hilton Head in 1968, where he found a new passion in landscape design and his love, Lawton Tison whom he soon married.
Bill started The Buck Island Nursery in 1972 which thrived through the ‘90s. The couple loved entertaining with family and friends and were hosts to many wonderful parties in which everyone was included.
Bill was a cornerstone at the Church of the Cross for nearly fifty years, serving in many capacities. He was a dear friend to all at the church. He will be missed by his beloved friends “The Weeds” in the Flower Guild. His design elements are still in use today.
One of his favorite projects was the beach renourishment and rebuilding of the dunes at the Island Club and Folly Field on Hilton Head.
Throughout his life he was devoted to God, his family and his aesthetic sense in creating beauty indoors and out.
He was preceded in death by his parents William C. And Lucille N. Ellis, sister Sally Ellis Gignilliat and brother in laws Allen Tison and Larry Walker. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lawton Tison Ellis, their two daughters, Elisabeth L. Ellis and her children Patience Gray, and Paige Gray. Sarah Ellis Luttrell and her husband Jason, their children Brian W. Luttrell, Rebekah Luttrell, sister in laws, Mimi Belanger and Linda Lewis of Savannah as well as brother in law William Gignilliat of Longview, TX, nieces and nephews Elise (Jerry) G. Hill, Tom Gignilliat of Longview, TX, Michael Walker of San Francisco, CA, Julian (Julie) Lewis of Savannah, one great niece, Joanna Fruia of Houston, TX and three grand nephews, Allen, Reynolds and Robert Lewis.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Saturday, September 29th at 11:00AM at The Church of The Cross with a reception to follow at the Church. A burial will be held Monday, October 1st at 11:00AM at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Church of The Cross in Bluffton, SC.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Ellis family for your loss. May the love of family and friends as well as the words at “Psalm 147:3” and “2 Corinthians 1:3,4” continue to help you get through these most difficult times.
- , ,
You have my sincere sympathy for your loss just remember our Heavenly Father the God of all comfort will be with you in this difficult time of grief so throw all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter5:7 The last enemy death will be brought to nothing 1corinthians 15:26 Isaiah 25:8 assures us that death will be swallowed up forever and the resurrection to life again on the earthJohn 5:28,29
- MGF, Savannah, , Gay
We are so sad to hear of Bill's passing. As an owner in The Island Club since 1989, we have come to known Bill as a kind, wonderful and a very lovely person. His passion for landscaping was shown in his work at The Island Club. When Bill left us at The Island Club there was such a huge void and he is still truly missed to this day. Heaven has gained another Angel. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in peace my friend. Sincerely, Vera and Renee Smith Peekskill, NY
- Smith, Peekskill, New York
We share your loss. We are richer for having known such a wonderful Southern gentleman.
- Don and Pat, Hilton Head Island, SC
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Ellis family for your loss. May the love of family and friends as well as the words at “Psalm 147:3” and “2 Corinthians 1:3,4” continue to help you get through these most difficult times.
- , ,
You have my sincere sympathy for your loss just remember our Heavenly Father the God of all comfort will be with you in this difficult time of grief so throw all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter5:7 The last enemy death will be brought to nothing 1corinthians 15:26 Isaiah 25:8 assures us that death will be swallowed up forever and the resurrection to life again on the earthJohn 5:28,29
- MGF, Savannah, , Gay
We are so sad to hear of Bill's passing. As an owner in The Island Club since 1989, we have come to known Bill as a kind, wonderful and a very lovely person. His passion for landscaping was shown in his work at The Island Club. When Bill left us at The Island Club there was such a huge void and he is still truly missed to this day. Heaven has gained another Angel. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in peace my friend. Sincerely, Vera and Renee Smith Peekskill, NY
- Smith, Peekskill, New York
We share your loss. We are richer for having known such a wonderful Southern gentleman.
- Don and Pat, Hilton Head Island, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
