Robert Ernest Ellis

ROBERT ERNEST ELLIS

July 26, 1924 - February 6, 2017

Bob Ellis, age 92, was born in Warren Arkansas, the second child of George & Mary Ellis.  He moved with his family from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas  before coming to Long Beach, California in 1939, where he would reside until his death almost 80 years later.  He graduated from Poly High School in 1941 and continued his education at Long Beach City College, University of Missouri School of Journalism, University of Southern California, and Cal State University Long Beach, earning degrees and/or credentials at each.

He also was a proud American who served with distinction in the Navy in both WWII and in Korea, following in the Ellis tradition of service to one's country. After his professional training and military service, he began a successful thirty-seven and a half years with the Long Beach Unified School District.  Starting as a teacher at Jordan High School, then a counselor, and finally the head counselor at that school, he next accepted a position in Avalon as the principal of the K-12 school on Catalina Island. That was a wonderful experience and he returned there often  over the years to see friends and enjoy the beauty of the Island.   His next administrative assignment was principal of Fremont Elementary, followed by being the first principal of Newcomb .  Immediately after a time out as the Assistant  Director of Personnel, he was assigned as principal of  Hughes.  He achieved a major personal goal, however, when he became a high school principal of Wilson, which was followed by becoming principal of Poly High School, his beloved alma mater. When he returned to Jordan as the principal, he had made a complete circle.  He had started his career at Jordan and he was ending it there.at age 63.

Throughout his professional and personal life, he was known as an eloquent speaker, a trusted leader, and a generous philanthropist.  He gave freely of his time, sound advice, and  support. A zest for life and ready smile drew others to him.   He loved people , no matter what their status in life and treated everyone with respect and kindness.  He treasured his family and always put their needs ahead of his own.

He will be missed deeply by his family, friends, neighbors, professional colleagues and all those lives he has touched. Preceded in death by his first wife, Molli Mesing Ellis and his older brother George Hankins Ellis,  he is survived by his wife, Barbara Seelgen Ellis; son Robert M. Ellis (Sue Goodwin); grandsons: Robert D. Ellis (Caitlin); Bradley T.M. Ellis (Miranda); and Todd M. Ellis; great grandson:  Will F. Ellis; sister:  Dorothy Ricketts;  nephew:  Randy Ricketts (Yvonne); nieces:  Susan Lucas (Gene); Patti Rietfors; and Carolyn Smith (Mike); and sister-in-law:  Audrey Zeder (Chuck). A Memorial Tribute will be held on Tuesday, March 7, in the Pointe Conference Center of the Walter Pyramid on the CSULB campus.  The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m.  In honor of Bob, attendees may choose to wear Hawaiian shirts, khaki pants, and sandals, his favorite look.  Whether dressed in "Bob Ellis Style" or not, all are welcome.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401