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Mr. Rochester Ellis was born April 22, 1961 in Johnston County to the late Chester and Janie Ellis. He transitioned from earth to heaven on Monday March 1, 2021 at Rex UNC Hospital in Raleigh, NC. 

Rochester also known as "Roy" attended Richard B. Harrison Elementray School and graduated from North Johnston High School in Kenly, NC. Following high school he attended Johnston Community College where he recieved his professional truck driving credentials. Upon completing his training he was employed with Food Lion where he retired in 2014. 

He was preceded in death by parents Chester and Janie Ellis, and three siblings. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 39 years Joyce "Babygirl" Ellis, three sons; Demetri Ellis of Smithfield, Aubrey Ellis of Sanford, Ramund Ellis of Conyers, GA, four grandchildren, Malachi Ellis, Ramund Ellis Jr., Ava Ellis and Nevaeh Ellis, three sisters; Betty Ellis of Zebulon, Lucille Lewis (Joe) of Spring Lake, Linda Lynch of Middlesex and Bishop Clarence Ellis of Smithfield, six brother-in-laws and five sister-in laws, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Walk-Thru viewing Saturday March 6, 2021 at the Walter Sanders Funeral Home Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd Smithfield, NC from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Facial coverings and social distancing must be obeyed. 10 minute limit for viewing.
Gaveside Service Sunday March 7, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Park Highway 70 West & 210 Smithfield, NC at 1:00 pm. Facial coverings and social distancing must be obeyed.
Click on the Add Comments Line below to leave a message for the family.

                                                                                                           Guest Book


Family or Deceased Name: Ellis Family
Your Name: Rev. Dr. Robert O'Neal
Email: roneal@liberty.edu
Message: So sorry for your loss.
Date: 3/8/21

Family or Deceased Name: Elder Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Elder porter
Email: pastorporter97@gmail.com
Message: We at O’Neal Revival Tabernacle can only imagine and yet not really know the grief that you bear. Please know that our sympathy and prayers are with you. -From Dr. O’Neal and the church family.
Date: 3/8/2021

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Charlotte Whitley
Email: shadeso4color@yahoo.com
Message: To the family, you have our condolences, and may God bless you all as well as keep you! May Roy continue to Rest In Peace! Roy kept a smile and grin all the time! The Whitley Family!
Date: 3-7-21

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Hattie Lofton
Email: loftons04@yahoo.com
Message: My prayers are with the ELLIS FAMILY, may your FAITH in GOD help heal your sorrow.
Date: 9199349653

Family or Deceased Name: To the Ellis family
Your Name: Tabatha Ellis
Email: Tabithaellis26@yahoo.com
Message: You're truly going to be missed, you were like a Father to me after my dad passed, always checked up on me and had encouraging words. RIP Uncle Roy ❤
Date: 4702907501

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Marvin L. Wiggs
Email: mwiggsministry@gmail.com
Message: Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Rochester was a good friend, we spent many days in our youth playing basketball and working on our parents farms. We spent our last and best conversations about Jesus and His loving kindness. May he Rest In Peace and I look forward to seeing him again.
Date: 362021

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Bettina Hocutt
Email: hocutt79@bellsouth.net
Message: To the Ellis family, we offer our sincere heartfelt condolences to the family. May God grant you peace and strength today and the days ahead. Lash & Bettina Hocutt
Date: 9197796608

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Elder Dorothy Roberts
Email: tayside7@hotmail.com
Message: I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying for your family. May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Date: 9192220490

Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Kevin Richardson
Email: krichardson5@mac.com
Message: My condolences to the family. Roy is our reminder that God is always present and was needed a bit more with him. Again, my heart goes out to the family, and I'll always have Roy's smile and "fadeaway jumper" in my heart.
Date: 03/04/21

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Keith&Sheryl Kirby
Email: keithkirby1350@gmail.com
Message: OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT THE FAMILY. "ROCK" YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. LOVE 💘
Date: 9195221350

Family or Deceased Name: Mr. Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Angela Holder
Email: angelaholder45@yahoo.com
Message: Ms. Linda Lynch, my prayers are with you and the family
Date: 03/04/2021

Family or Deceased Name: Roychester Ellis
Your Name: Sampson T. Richardson
Email: Sampson.richardson15@gmail.com
Message: May the work you have done speak for you. May the service you have done speak for you. Rest in peace my brother Rochester. Tyrone
Date: 9192077629

Family or Deceased Name: Rochester Ellis
Your Name: Lena King
Email: Kinglena@att.net
Message: To the Ellis family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rock as we call him was a kind a sweet person.
Date: 9199048987


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