Chandler Porter Ellis passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 26, with his family by his side.
Mr. Ellis was born on May 18, 1929, in Florence, Alabama to Dr. L. C. Ellis and Grace Holland Ellis. As a boy, Porter was a champion equestrian, showing horses throughout the Southeast. This was a love he enjoyed sharing with his daughter later in life.
Porter served in the Korean War in the 31st Infantry Division, 104th Battalion. Returning home in 1952, he graduated from Auburn University in 1954.
Porter married Brooke Harmon in 1953. They had one daughter, Grace. Brooke passed away in 1969. Porter later married Mary Katharine Ellis on June 12, 1981.
Porter began his career with Sears in 1954 and was transferred throughout the Southeast before settling in Gainesville. There he assisted in the relocation of the current Sears store to its present location at the Oaks Mall.
He took early retirement in 1989, which enabled him to play golf with his good friends at the Gainesville Golf and Country Club. In 1997, Porter developed an enthusiasm for the RV life. He and Kate spent several happy
summers touring the United States and Canada in their motorhome; many times with an accompaniment of close friends.
Porter was an avid SEC football fan and rooted not only for his beloved Auburn Tigers, but the Gators as well. Porter loved his family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind heart, and the courage
of his convictions. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A private commemoration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Haven Hospice,
4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville FL 32606, or
for Parkinson Research at michaeljfox.org.
