Mr. Leland “Judge” Ellis, age 91, of Oxford passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016.  He was born December 12, 1924 to the late Clifford and Inez Jones Ellis.  Mr. Ellis was a lifelong resident of Oxford; he was “Citizen of the Year” in 2000, chosen by the Mayor and City Council and was the grand marshal of the Oxford Fourth of July Parade.  He was one of the founding members of the Oxford Fire Department which was originated in 1954.  Mr. Ellis was of the Methodist faith and a longtime member of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.  He served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was known for his garden; sharing his vegetables with his friends and neighbors and could have feed Newton County.  Mr. Ellis was carpenter by trade and built many houses in and around the area for years. 

Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his wife; Ruby Holmes Ellis on May 7, 2011 and is survived by his son; Kelly H. Ellis (Donna Williams) of Oxford, his daughter; Teresa Kennon Welch (Darryl) of Oxford, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren, along with his sister; Ruth Allgood and numerous other family and close friends.

Graveside services for Mr. Ellis will be held at Oxford Historical Cemetery at 11 o’clock on Saturday, April 9, 2016.  The family will receive friends at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home from 6pm until 8pm on Friday, April 8, 2016.  J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of the arrangements.  A guest book may be signed on-line www.harwellfuneralhome.com.