July 12, 2025
David Vaughan Ellis passed away peacefully at his home in Camilla, Georgia on May 10, 2025. He was with his longtime companion Virginia. David was born on September 10,1963 to the late Kenneth and Fayette Vaughan Ellis. He was the middle child of five and named after his maternal grandfather David Vaughan. He and his grandfather had a special bond together. David received great tutelage from him in Carpentry. David affectionately known as "Dave" was known as the handy man in the community.
He attended Cranford High School and graduated in 1981. He was actively involved in sports which included baseball, soccer and he ran track which took the team to a great championship. He was also known for his artistic abilities. He would often sketch cartoon caricatures and have his own comic scripts. He loved his music and was a "D J" for numerous events. If he was not working on projects, you would find him cruising on his "Spider" motorcycle and taking family trips with his animals. He was affectionately known for being "Dr. Doolittle" and had numerous pets to name a few. This included talking parrots, Iguana, ferret and goldfish in a pond he built. In addition to this, he had a horse named Tonto, Gracie the goat, Wilbur the pig, a chimpanzee, snake, tortoises, cats and several breeds of dogs. Dave could have had his own zoo.
Dave attended Union College in Cranford NJ. He received his Associate's degree and continued on to receiving certifications and training in Carpentry, Public Service and Equipment Operations. He began working as an Orderly at an early age of 16 at the Extended Health Care Center in Cranford, NJ. He worked as a Senior Operator for AFGA Graphics in Branchburg, NJ. He began his career in public service working for Social Services in Plainfield, NJ. This was for a short period of time. After receiving his certification as a Correction Officer, he worked at the Union County Detention Facility until he got injured. Later, he went on to work as an Operator doing mechanical maintenance work at U.S. Gypsum Company in Clark, NJ. He transitioned to lighter duties and worked as a Senior Transport Operator for Bartell Farm and Garden.
Dave retired and moved to Camilla, Georgia. He continued to do odd jobs and projects around his home.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Virgina Reese; his daughter, Tiarra Ellis; granddaughter, Farah Fayette Sanders; his sisters, JoAnn Ellis of Cranford, NJ, Cheryl (Steve) Thomas of Charlotte, North Carolina, Olivia (Israel Jr.) Roman of Charlotte, North Carolina and Cynthia (Shug) Graham of Scotch Plains, NJ; a brother, Christopher Ellis of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; nieces, Janai ( Rob) Hearns-LaForgia, Kayla Ellis, Brittney Prinster and Cyrenthia Graham; nephews, Avery and Brandon Roman and godson, Elliot Thomas. He also leaves a host of family and friends.
God called home his Beloved Son and great man, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, godfather and dear friend. Dave's peaceful demeanor, jovial personality, helpfulness, caring and love touched the lives of so many. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Dave, the jokester as we all know him, has everyone in heaven laughing by now saying" If you need to reach me, I can be found at the corner of Heaven's Way Road" greeted by all of his animals and saying "Let the Music Play!"
