Ariel Wall Ellis Jr.

Ariel was born in New Augusta, Miss., to Ariel and Alma Ellis and was the eldest of seven children. Ariel earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., in 1953. He went on to earn his master’s degree in mathematics at Tulane University. Ariel served as a statistician in the Army overseas in France before returning to work in his wife’s family business, Pride Manufacturing Company in Guilford, Maine. He and his wife moved to Florence in the late 1980s to manage a new manufacturing plant for the family business before he retired to Lecanto.

Ariel enjoyed playing golf, piano, and duplicate bridge. He was also very involved in his local church in the various communities in which he lived.

Everyone always complimented Ariel on his smile, a smile that stretched from ear to ear. He loved bragging about his family and would tell anyone who would listen.

We would like to thank the caregivers who provided wonderful care for Ariel and allowed him to live in the comfort of his own home.

Ariel is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Pride Ellis; three children, Vandy Hewett, Randy Ellis and Greg Ellis; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

At Ariel’s request no memorial service will be held.

Condolences to the family of Ariel Ellis may be shared online at www.ferofuneralhome.com.