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PORTSMOUTH – Walter Ellis, 80, passed away after a brief illness on May 17, 2022. A native of Newport News, he was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Franklin and Elsie Worsham Ellis; and sister, Shirley Ellis Jones. Walter was a retired construction superintendent at J.R. Wills and Co. He was a member of Central Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He was a master carpenter and gardener, and enjoyed NASCAR and spending time with his family.

Walter is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jane Getkin Ellis; daughter, Debbie Baugham and husband, Gary; son, Charles “Chuck” George and wife, Suzie; two sisters, Nancy Patterson and husband, Vernon and Gracie Mack and husband, Robbie; four grandchildren, Richard “Ricky” Baugham and wife, Luci, Jennifer “Brooklyn” McClenny and husband, Tyson, Jason Merritt and Carrie Wade; great-grandson, Liam Baugham; and lifelong best friend, John Wills.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 19, at 1 p.m. at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Boulevard Chapel. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 7 – 8 p.m. Contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 1200 Hodges Ferry Road, Portsmouth, VA 23701. www.SturtevantFH.com