Ellerbe, Willie

Willie Lee Ellerbe, Sr., the 11th child of Eugene Ellerbe, Sr. and Alease Brown Ellerbe, was born on May 21, 1934 in Florence, SC. He died on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at McLeod Regional Medical Center after a short illness. “Bill”, “Slingshot” and “Bigfoot”, as he was lovingly called, attended the public schools of Florence County. He was employed with Merita Bakery for 13 years, and retired after 25 years of employment from Vulcraft as a rigger. He was baptized and faithfully attended service at Church of Christ, Timmonsville, SC. “Bill” married Johnnie Mae McDaniels on May 8, 1958; and to this union eight children were born. Willie Lee was a father to his children and was loved by all. With his shining personality, and a smile that would light up any room, he attracted the attention of all who came in contact with him. He will be deeply missed by all. He leaves to morn his passing and cherish precious memories: four sons, Thomas “Chick” (Corethia) Milo, Willie Lee “Ricky” (Cassandra) Ellerbe Jr., both of Florence, SC; Randolph “Randy” (Minell) Ellerbe of Orlando, FL, and Thomas “Timmy” (Gervonnie) Ellerbe of Charlotte, NC; three daughters, Harriett Y. Ellerbe, Sonya Y. Ellerbe, and Cassandra “Lane” Brown (Willie Holman), all of Florence, SC; 30 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; devoted former spouse, Johnnie Mae Ellerbe of Florence, SC; six brothers and sisters, Moses (Pam) Ellerbe of Latta, SC; Sarah Jackson of New York, NY; Allie Wanzer , Joe Louis Ellerbe, James (Mary) Ellerbe, all of Florence, SC, and Louise Johnson of Effingham, SC; sister-in-law, Isadora Ellerbe of Florence, SC; four special nephews, James Leroy (Marie) Ellerbe, Arthur C. Jones, Willie L. Jones and Danny (Darnisha) Ellerbe; along with a host of nieces, other nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jerome “Rome” Ellerbe; two daughters, Dorothy “Dottie” Mack and Donna L. Ellerbe; and one brother, Eugene Ellerbe.