Obituary for Ellis Footman
Obituary
A Walk Through The Years
Brother Elis was born in Bainbridge, Georgia to the late Ellis Footman, Sr. and Lucy Footman whom he will meet again in heaven. Ellis accepted Christ at an early age. He joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. He later moved his membership to New Salem Free Will Baptist Church, and he served faithfully, until his health failed. He knew the value of hard work. He performed various odd jobs, prior to becoming a valued employee of Seaboard Coastline Railroad System (SCRS). He was a family man. He married Birdia Mae Clemmons in 1959 and they raised four beautiful children. It was not uncommon to find Ellis rolling around and playing on the floor with his two daughters that he affectionately nicknamed Gidget and Tuna Fish, when they were little girls. When he was not working various jobs, in addition to his full time employment at the railroad, he could be seen running and racing with his sons, or shooting marbles. His passion was hunting and fishing which he and his sons frequently did on a regular basis. However, of the many passions he had in life, nothing compared to the unbreakable love bond he shared with his lovely wife and bride for 57 years. The two of them were like peas and carrots, with a side of sweet potato pie on Thanksgiving. (It's o.k. to smile or laugh!)
Ellis faithfully discharged his duties as a railroad worker for over 30 years. When the folktale of John Henry is told as a man with a hammer in his hand, one can undeniably say that Ellis or Junior, as he was affectionately called by his siblings, lived the life of a man with a hammer in his hand on the railroad. (It's o.k. to smile or laugh because Ellis was truly that man.) He and his crew provided the railway transportation system for hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, to be transported up and down the eastern seaboard and across the country. His contributions to this country and family will surely be missed.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted Wife, Birdia Mae Footman; two sons: Antione Footman (Sheryl Barrett); Durante Footman (Retired Navy Veteran) (Valerie Corliss); two daughters: Shmyra King (Joshie); Miranda Footman- McIntyre; God daughters: Fayetta Thomas.: (David); Stephanie Timberlake (Rickie). Siblings: Eloise Toomer; Lue Footman; Patricia Williams; Lucy Hunter (Curtis); Robert Footman; John Footman; Charles Footman; Jerry Footman (Jennifer); Sister-in-law -Minnie Gross. Grand children: Angelica Footman, Antione Jai Footman, Ambrica Jackson (Mario), Paris Footman, Denesha Footman, Jadlin King, Jameson Thomas, Davina Evans (Jonathan), Terrell Edwards, and Chris Clack. Great grandchildren: Aslyn Johnson and Ja'Mauri Williams. Aunts: Auriella Foster (Aunt Bee); Lindey Whigham. Friend and co-worker: James King (Other CSX co-workers): James Peterson, Cleveland Sanders, Tommy Carroll, Leo Wise, David, William, and Carlton Crawford. Friends: Mr. and Mrs. Ezell Walker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a special pet (Mocha).
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A Walk Through The Years
Brother Elis was born in Bainbridge, Georgia to the late Ellis Footman, Sr. and Lucy Footman whom he will meet again in heaven. Ellis accepted Christ at an early age. He joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. He later moved his membership to New Salem Free Will Baptist Church, and he served faithfully, until his health failed. He knew the value of hard work. He performed various odd jobs, prior to becoming a valued employee of Seaboard Coastline Railroad System (SCRS). He was a family man. He married Birdia Mae Clemmons in 1959 and they raised four beautiful children. It was not uncommon to find Ellis rolling around and playing on the floor with his two daughters that he affectionately nicknamed Gidget and Tuna Fish, when they were little girls. When he was not working various jobs, in addition to his full time employment at the railroad, he could be seen running and racing with his sons, or shooting marbles. His passion was hunting and fishing which he and his sons frequently did on a regular basis. However, of the many passions he had in life, nothing compared to the unbreakable love bond he shared with his lovely wife and bride for 57 years. The two of them were like peas and carrots, with a side of sweet potato pie on Thanksgiving. (It's o.k. to smile or laugh!)
Ellis faithfully discharged his duties as a railroad worker for over 30 years. When the folktale of John Henry is told as a man with a hammer in his hand, one can undeniably say that Ellis or Junior, as he was affectionately called by his siblings, lived the life of a man with a hammer in his hand on the railroad. (It's o.k. to smile or laugh because Ellis was truly that man.) He and his crew provided the railway transportation system for hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, to be transported up and down the eastern seaboard and across the country. His contributions to this country and family will surely be missed.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted Wife, Birdia Mae Footman; two sons: Antione Footman (Sheryl Barrett); Durante Footman (Retired Navy Veteran) (Valerie Corliss); two daughters: Shmyra King (Joshie); Miranda Footman- McIntyre; God daughters: Fayetta Thomas.: (David); Stephanie Timberlake (Rickie). Siblings: Eloise Toomer; Lue Footman; Patricia Williams; Lucy Hunter (Curtis); Robert Footman; John Footman; Charles Footman; Jerry Footman (Jennifer); Sister-in-law -Minnie Gross. Grand children: Angelica Footman, Antione Jai Footman, Ambrica Jackson (Mario), Paris Footman, Denesha Footman, Jadlin King, Jameson Thomas, Davina Evans (Jonathan), Terrell Edwards, and Chris Clack. Great grandchildren: Aslyn Johnson and Ja'Mauri Williams. Aunts: Auriella Foster (Aunt Bee); Lindey Whigham. Friend and co-worker: James King (Other CSX co-workers): James Peterson, Cleveland Sanders, Tommy Carroll, Leo Wise, David, William, and Carlton Crawford. Friends: Mr. and Mrs. Ezell Walker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a special pet (Mocha).
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
2
Sep
2:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Bruton Mortuary
635 Bruton Street
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Service
Saturday
3
Sep
11:00 AM
New Salem F.B. Church
2574 Spring Creek Rd.
Bainbridge, GA 39817
Cemetery Details
Location
Jonas Lobe Cemetery
1287 Carter St.
Bainbridge, GA 39819
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