Ellis Wade Hitzing, "Mr. Ellis", was killed in an auto accident in Alachua on October 18th. Ellis would have been 97 years old next month. He was born on a ranch in South Dakota in 1914, and his family then moved to Ekalaka, Montana. In 1926 the family moved to Florida - they did not see a paved road until they got to Lincoln Nebraska. The family finally settled in Jacksonville. Ellis had to quit school in the 8th grade to help support his family. He started by delivering groceries and ended up buying the grocery store. During WWII he served in the Army Air Corp. After the war he spent most of his work career in the auto parts business operating warehouses in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee and Reedsville Georgia. But, he never lost his love for ranching, and in 1973 he bought the EWH Ranch just outside Alachua. He never retired, and until his death, he was active in the operation of the ranch.

He was married to the love of his life, Mabel Whitehead Hitzing, for almost 69 years, until her death in September of 2009. They had two sons: Wade Hitzing (age 70), and Bert Hitzing ( age 66). Ellis was preceded in death by ten of his brothers and sisters: Thelma Crump Wilson of New Kent, Virginia; Buford Hitzing; A. C. "Al" Hitzing; Michel "Shell" Hitzing; Theodore "Teddy" Hitzing and Lovel Hitzing of Fort Myers; Florence Allen and Dewey Hitzing of Jacksonville, Lavina Cox and Jesse Corley of Keystone Heights. His sister, Mary Ann Soud, of Keystone Heights, survives him.

In addition to his two sons, Ellis also enjoyed sharing his life as OPA for five grandchildren: Julia Hartlieb of Fort Myers; Hays Hitzing and Christopher Davey of Columbus, Ohio; Michael Davey of Valdosta, Georgia; and Julie Johnston of Lakeland. He was also OPA for ten great grandchildren: Kinsey, Emmie and Abby Johnston; Lucy and Charlie Hartlieb; Hannah, Benjamin and Leo Davey; and Albert "Bertie" and Lyda Hitzing.

Ellis was a life long member of the Baptist church. For 40+ years he and Mabel were members of the North Main Street Baptist Church in Jacksonville. While in Jacksonville he served for more than 25 years on the Board of the Baptist Children's Home. When they moved to Alachua they joined the Santa Fe Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ethel Hart of Alachua. She provided years of loving care for both Mabel and Ellis.

Ellis will be sorely missed. He was an extraordinary man who led a life of hard work and accomplishment.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 A.M., Sat., Oct. 22nd at Santa Fe Baptist Church, 7505 NW County Rd. 236, Alachua, Fl. Visitation will be Fri., Oct. 21st, 5-7 P.M. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, High Springs, Fl. (386-454-2444). Interment will be at 2:30 P.M., Sat., Oct. 22nd, at Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville, Fl. (Use East 44th Street Gate at Cemetery).

Arrangements are under the care of EVANS-CARTER FUNERAL HOME.

Published in Gainesville Sun from October 21 to October 22, 2011