Arlie Ellison

Arlie Edward Ellison had an appointment in heaven at 8:47 pm January 21, 2011. He so looked forward to keeping that reunion although leaving home is always a little sorrowful. Arlie lived all his life on his family?s land. It was his grandparent?s home and then his home and for 58 years. Arlie loved his small piece of God?s earth. He tended his garden with greatest care and went by ?the signs? for everything from pulling a tooth to planting potatoes. He leaves behind a way of life that many will recall for a very long time.
Born at Ellison Ridge, WV, Arlie came into this world July 6, 1919. He was a son of the late William McKinley ?Mack? and West Virginia (Wessie) Lilly Ellison. Arlie was a good son, father and great papaw.
He proudly served in the US Army during WW II; worked as a coal miner at East Gulf for seven years before obtaining a job on the C&O Railroad where he retired from CSX Transportation after 40 years of dependable service. Arlie was a faithful member of the Nimitz Missionary Baptist Church. Serving as a head usher, he enjoyed handing out the church bulletins and greeting each member with his own particular wit. Everyone looked forward to seeing Arlie, he made them laugh.
For awhile he?s been unable to attend services due to illness. Already in heaven waiting for him to come are his dad and mom, his sister, Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Ellison Lilly, and his darling son Dr. Arlie Matthew Ellison.
Left behind to always miss him are his wife of 58 years, Jenny Lee Frazier Ellison; a son, John Mark Ellison and wife Jennifer of Nimitz; a daughter, Elizabeth ?Beth? Ellen Trout and her husband Rev. Gary Trout of Marion, VA; six grandchildren, John Evan and Matthew Ellison of Nimitz, Joni Brooke Trout Peets of Wilton, CA, Joseph Trout of Huntington, WV, Jacob Trout of Marion VA and Jaclyn Trout of Lynchburg VA; one brother, Benny Paul Ellison and wife Jeannie and one sister Vera Ellison both of Nimitz. Jonathan Ellison, Arlie?s nephew was more like a son to Arlie and will miss him every day. Lisa Ellison Bragg, Lois Ellison Harvey and Sherry Ellison Foster were not only nieces but lived next door and were with him throughout his life. Roger Blake Lilly of Glade Springs and Becky Sue Mandeville Sparks of Maxwell Hill are also a nephew and niece.
Through the years Arlie never missed a trip on the railroad. He enjoyed perfect health and if the train left the station Arlie was in the driver?s seat. He was not a joiner of anything except the Church. After retirement he could be found in the house or working in his vegetable garden. Children loved Arlie because they enjoyed his humor. Family and friends will be retelling papaw?s outrageous antics for many years to come.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday January 23, 2011 at the Nimitz Missionary Baptist Church with Pastors Don Hannah and Andy Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Lilly-Crews Cemetery at Nimitz. Friends may call from 1:00 pm till time of service on Sunday. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.