Kenny Bernard Ellis Obituary (1961 - 2020)

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 KJV Kenny Bernard Ellis was born in Camden, Arkansas on January 25, 1961 to Ella Lee Randall and Bobby Ray Ellis, who both precede him in death. At the age of three, Kenny and his mother moved to Detroit, Michigan where she married John Henry Williams Jr., who also precedes him in death. To this union three children were born. His stepfather then legally adopted Kenny as his own. Ken accepted Christ at an early age at Temple Emmanuel Interdominational Church, with Bishop J. Tefferroa. Kenny was educated in the Detroit Public School system and in 1979, became a proud graduate of Thomas M. Cooley High School. Ken loved the water! He was even a part of the swim team. On July 6, 1979, at 18 years old, Kenny enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the military, Kenny "ElDog8" Ellis fought in The Gulf War and Desert Storm. He worked as a radio chief, operational communication chief, a recruiter and so much more. He received MANY medals and accolades including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (8th award), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and many more. On March 26, 2004, after 25 years, he retired as Master Sergeant Kenny B. Ellis. Three things Kenny loved more than anything was God, his children, and being a Marine. He instilled in his children that they should always get on their knees and pray, in good and bad times, because from that position comes your greatest strength. He always told them that he couldn't make the playing field even but he could put us on the field. He provided his children with the best opportunities available. He was a great father and a good man through and through. He followed his dreams and lived his life to the fullest while singing Barry White "Practice What You Preach". If there was a class on it, he taught it. If there was a lesson to be learned, he knew it. If there was a test to pass, he aced it. A father, entrepreneur, mentor, family man, Marine, and a light. On Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 13:22 (1:22 PM), God called Ken home. Ken leaves to cherish his legacy, his children: Shanelle, Dominique, Tammara, and Stephen, grandchildren: Nicholas and Kayleigh, his siblings, mother's side: James (Audrey), Jacqueline and Latayndra, father's side: Bobby Ray Jr. (Samantha), Monica, and James, his best friend: Edward West and sister-in-love: Kimberly Hershey, a hosts of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Ken will forever live on in the hearts of those that love him. Semper Fidelis! "To observe a Marine is inspirational. To be a Marine is exceptional." Gunnery Sergeant Charles F. Wolf Jr To share condolences and thoughts, and to sign guest book, please visit: www.treasurefunerals.com Final care entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Highway, Gramercy, LA 70052. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"