Ralph Alan Ellis, age 76, of Baker, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025, passing peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Ralph was born on May 1, 1949, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Ernest and Lois Ellis. At the age of nine, he moved with his family to Baker, the place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

A true patriot, Ralph served his country with honor in both the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps. Over the course of his military career, he was recognized with numerous awards and commendations, including the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and many others. He faithfully served in both Vietnam and Operation Desert Shield/Storm, exemplifying courage and devotion to his fellow servicemen and to his country.

While his military service was a source of great pride, Ralph’s heart was always with his family, his church, and his community. For 49 years, he volunteered with the Baker Fire District, serving both as a firefighter and as Fire Commissioner, always willing to put others before himself. For 51 years, Ralph was a faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where he served in countless ways and built lifelong bonds with his church family. His quiet strength, servant’s heart, and unwavering faith left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Ralph also worked as an appliance repairman for Sears, where he was known for his honesty, hard work, and ability to fix just about anything. But those who loved him most will remember not just his skills, but his kindness, his humor, and the deep love he carried for his wife, children, grandchildren, and all those he called family.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Hayes and Lois Myree Ansell Ellis; his brother, Robert Keith Ellis; and his half-brother, Donnie Ellis.

Ralph is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Bonnie B. Ellis; his son, Patrick Ellis (Kristen); his daughter, Angela Crinklaw (Patrick); his brother, Wayne Ellis (Faye); his sister, Linda Williams (Richard); his treasured grandchildren, Kailyn Ellis, Peyton Ellis, Karsyn Crinklaw, and Kendal Crinklaw; his nephew, Daniel Williams (Kim); his great-nephew Ethan Williams and his niece, Becky Williams.

A funeral service to honor Ralph’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, with Pastor Don Smith and Pastor Justin Douglas officiating. Burial will follow at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker, Florida.

Ralph’s life was one of service, faith, and love. His legacy will live on in the community he served so faithfully and in the family he adored.

Duke Retirees & Others:

Another Duke Family member, Ralph Ellis passed away last Thursday at his home in Baker, FL.

He had recently returned home from the UAB hospital in Birmingham where he was diagnosed

withAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) better known as the Lou Gehrig's disease. Ralph was

one of our most respected and well liked Aviators who served his country and the 711 SOS with

great pride and truly made a difference in both his local community and our Gunship Mission. He

will be dearly missed by us all, especially his Baker community, Gunners and Duke Field Family.

Please keep his wife Bonnie and the family in your prayers during this extremely difficult time.

The Brackney Funeral Service has all of the arrangements, including his Obituary, available on

their website at :www.brackneyfuneralservice.com