Anthony John Ellis, 86, of Shinnston, WV, born August 29, 1937, passed away on June 29, 2024 from an extended illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Jean Ellis; and sister-in-law Norma Ellis. He leaves behind his wife, Carolyn Sue Hardesty Ellis, of 55 years; his two daughters, Melissa Minigh and husband Scott of Fairmont, WV, and children Karlie and Stephen Minigh; his youngest daughter Antoinette Ellis-Casto of Shinnston, WV with her two daughters, Claire and Anna Casto. He is also survived by his brother John Ellis of Haywood, WV.
Anthony was a well-respected businessman and was well-loved throughout the community making many friends throughout the years. During his early years, Anthony attended school at St. Mary’s in Clarksburg, WV and his love of music led him to learn to play the clarinet with lessons from his Uncle Sam and joined the School Boy Patrol Band at ten years old. Soon after, he became a member of the Musician’s Union and played tenor saxophone in a dance band. During his school years when time allowed, Anthony worked at “Jean’s Place”, Strand Lunch Counter, Ellis Drive-In Theatre & Restaurant in Bridgeport, and lastly owning Sunset-Ellis Restaurant and Drive-In on Rt 19 near Meadowbrook. After graduating in 1955 from St. Mary’s High School, he attended Wheeling College, now Wheeling Jesuit University, and graduated in 1959 earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He later attended Fairmont State College to pick up some classes for teaching eligibility and was hired in 1962 to teach at Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg, WV. Anthony taught Biology, General Science, Religion, and Senior Business Math. In addition, he coached football, basketball, and tennis, and even drove the school bus to transport the teams to games all over central West Virginia. He was still referred to as “Coach” by many.
In 1967, his father became ill, and Anthony left teaching to become a full-time restauranteur at the Sunset-Ellis Restaurant. From that day forward, he worked tirelessly with his loyal staff at the restaurant and enjoyed visiting with every customer who walked through the door. Anthony was a member of the Clarksburg Columbian Club and enjoyed being the Academic Excellence presenter at the annual Frank Loria Banquet. Anthony had the honor of being featured in the State’s “Golden Seal” magazine…twice! First in 1995 and again in this year’s 50th Anniversary edition.
His love of music landed him a two-year stint occasionally playing his saxophone with Dr. Mike Hess’s band, “Albuterol & The Inhalers” whose proceeds went to charity. With his passion for music in mind, in lieu of flowers, Anthony’s request for donations is to be sent to Chirp-Child Instrument Recycle Program at PO Box 1345 Bridgeport, WV 26330 @chirpwv.com. He would love nothing more than to give children the opportunity to learn to play music that will bring entertainment and joy for a lifetime.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 12:00PM-8:00PM. Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:30PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Shinnston, WV on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00AM with Rev. Akila Rodrigo T.O.R. and Rev. Deepu Joseph officiating. Interment will follow at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery. After the committal, there will be a meal at the Parrish Hall prepared by the St Ann Alter Society.