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Timeline for Larry Ellis
Born: October 30, 1949
Died: August 9, 2020
Larry Dee Ellis
Oct. 30, 1949 – Aug. 9, 2020
If the measure of a man is his friends, then Larry was a giant. He was a big man with a big smile and a big heart. He was always willing to help and the outpouring of love since his sudden passing has shown how much people cared about him.
He was born in Indio, CA, to Odis Dee and Dorothy Mae Ellis. Growing up in Southern California with his sister, Sharon, and brother, Stan, he enjoyed sports, mostly baseball. His parents introduced him to the thrills of horse racing, taking the kids to the track.
Larry joined the Navy in 1970, serving on the Enterprise. He was stationed in Southeast Asia, and returned home in 1975, where he finished his college work with a degree in Journalism.
After a stint as a reporter in Texas and a public relations job back in SoCal, he went to Saudi Arabia for a year. When he returned to the U.S, he married Judy. They both worked for Hughes Aircraft for a while, and moved to Arizona in 1986, after Erica was born.
It was in Arizona where his love of horse racing got full reign. After owning their first race horse as a part of a syndicate, Larry and Judy bought others, which he managed alone or with just one or two partners. Larry got his trainer’s license and, little by little, started racing his horses, most of whom were homebreds. Since retirement, the horses have filled his days.
He was happy with his life and recognized all the blessings that came his way. Larry will be forever missed, but the happy memories will always be with us.
Larry was such a kind soul! He took me to several of my chemo treatments in fall of 2017. Very gracious and caring. A good neighbor I will not forget! Very sorry to hear (just recently). Years ago, in 2002, he moved into the neighborhood and lost his small dog. I had found it, and thinking it was dumped, I kept it for 7 months til I found out whose dog it was. I gave it back close to Christmas. Fifteen years later, I needed a favor and he was there to help!
My dearest Love - I feel your warmth still around me, protecting me as always. My heart is yours forever.
I got to work with Larry 3 different times over my 34 years with Hughes/ Raytheon! Truly enjoyed our business trips to Georgia. He was a wonderful man. We’d all go out to lunch in Larry’s Buick, which spelled of cigars!! Loved that smell! He took us by to see Sunny once I remember as well. He always called me Sis, since we have the same last name! RIP Larry (Bro) Ellis?
Larry was the most wonderful husband and father. He's left us a lifetime of love and memories and for that we are eternally thankful.
I will always remember Mr. Ellis for his warm and big personality whenever I was at their house. He truly loved and cared for his daughter; spending time coaching our basketball team and being her number one fan. He will be missed.
Erica and Judy- I am so sorry for the great loss for your family! Erica you are a great human and I know that is in big part to do with your family. I know the loss can be overwhelming. Please know that you are loved and supported through this! Sending you both all my love!
Larry was the nicest man, his kindness will be missed. He was an optimist and his hopefulness will be missed. He was a loving, caring husband, father and friend. I'm so sorry for your loss Judy and Erica. Sending you my love.
In memory of Larry Ellis, Sarah & Jeff Lake lit a candle
Judy and Erica and Family of Larry, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been good friends with Erica for about 12 years now and have had the pleasure to spend many holidays with Larry and Judy. I can picture his smile, always helping Erica move (even reluctantly lol), carving the thanksgiving turkey, and dancing with Judy at my wedding. He was a kind soul with a big heart and will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to you all ❤️ Love, The Lake Family
Larry was the nicest guy ever. We played baseball together on the Men’s Senior League Dodgers. He was the best teammate, always positive. Just a great guy to have on the team. He had a sharp, subtle sense of humor but it was never at anyone’s expense. He was a real gentleman and all his teammates loved him. I am very happy to have known Larry. The world was a better place with him in it!
As Bob Hope always said and sang at the close of one of his USO shows overseas, “Thanks for the memories “ Larry. You are definitely a one-in-a-million true friend and Alan and I are so glad to have been a part of your friendship.
Fair Winds and Following Seas. Shipmate
All our love to Judy and Erica. ♥️
Dear Judy, Erica and Family, Another beautiful soul was called home. Although (because of the distance) we could count the number of times we were actually with Larry on our fingers, those times are etched in our hearts, never to be erased. I'd like to share one memory. Larry lived in Arizona. On the occasion of our son's bachelor party he had business in Connecticut, where we live. Although he couldn't be with us on that occasion, he took the time out to surprise Rob with a box of cigars that he personally left at his house. Larry always took time out to be thoughtful to everyone. Today we are left to mourn Larry's abrupt passing but we must certainly celebrate the life he led, his unfailing love for his beloved wife, daughter and his entire family, his genuine concern for his friends and others that he might meet and his passion for horses. He will be in our hearts forever.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Larry was such a kind soul! He took me to several of my chemo treatments in fall of 2017. Very gracious and caring. A good neighbor I will not forget! Very sorry to hear (just recently). Years ago, in 2002, he moved into the neighborhood and lost his small dog. I had found it, and thinking it was dumped, I kept it for 7 months til I found out whose dog it was. I gave it back close to Christmas. Fifteen years later, I needed a favor and he was there to help!
My dearest Love - I feel your warmth still around me, protecting me as always. My heart is yours forever.
I got to work with Larry 3 different times over my 34 years with Hughes/ Raytheon! Truly enjoyed our business trips to Georgia. He was a wonderful man. We’d all go out to lunch in Larry’s Buick, which spelled of cigars!! Loved that smell! He took us by to see Sunny once I remember as well. He always called me Sis, since we have the same last name! RIP Larry (Bro) Ellis?
Larry was the most wonderful husband and father. He's left us a lifetime of love and memories and for that we are eternally thankful.
I will always remember Mr. Ellis for his warm and big personality whenever I was at their house. He truly loved and cared for his daughter; spending time coaching our basketball team and being her number one fan. He will be missed.
Erica and Judy- I am so sorry for the great loss for your family! Erica you are a great human and I know that is in big part to do with your family. I know the loss can be overwhelming. Please know that you are loved and supported through this! Sending you both all my love!
Larry was the nicest man, his kindness will be missed. He was an optimist and his hopefulness will be missed. He was a loving, caring husband, father and friend. I'm so sorry for your loss Judy and Erica. Sending you my love.
In memory of Larry Ellis, Sarah & Jeff Lake lit a candle
Judy and Erica and Family of Larry, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been good friends with Erica for about 12 years now and have had the pleasure to spend many holidays with Larry and Judy. I can picture his smile, always helping Erica move (even reluctantly lol), carving the thanksgiving turkey, and dancing with Judy at my wedding. He was a kind soul with a big heart and will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to you all ❤️ Love, The Lake Family
Larry was the nicest guy ever. We played baseball together on the Men’s Senior League Dodgers. He was the best teammate, always positive. Just a great guy to have on the team. He had a sharp, subtle sense of humor but it was never at anyone’s expense. He was a real gentleman and all his teammates loved him. I am very happy to have known Larry. The world was a better place with him in it!
As Bob Hope always said and sang at the close of one of his USO shows overseas, “Thanks for the memories “ Larry. You are definitely a one-in-a-million true friend and Alan and I are so glad to have been a part of your friendship.
Fair Winds and Following Seas. Shipmate
All our love to Judy and Erica. ♥️
Dear Judy, Erica and Family, Another beautiful soul was called home. Although (because of the distance) we could count the number of times we were actually with Larry on our fingers, those times are etched in our hearts, never to be erased. I'd like to share one memory. Larry lived in Arizona. On the occasion of our son's bachelor party he had business in Connecticut, where we live. Although he couldn't be with us on that occasion, he took the time out to surprise Rob with a box of cigars that he personally left at his house. Larry always took time out to be thoughtful to everyone. Today we are left to mourn Larry's abrupt passing but we must certainly celebrate the life he led, his unfailing love for his beloved wife, daughter and his entire family, his genuine concern for his friends and others that he might meet and his passion for horses. He will be in our hearts forever.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.