John Houston Ellison, 92, of Athens and a former resident of Chattanooga, died Tuesday night, July 28, 2015 at NHC of Athens.
He was a native of Meigs County and was a son of the late Sam and Nancy Gates Ellison. He was also preceded in death by his wife Dana Fitzgerald Ellison, sisters, Martha Jewell Ellison, Sue Ellison and Dollie Ellison, and brothers Ottie and Boyd Ellison.
He was a member of East Athens Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a member of Meridian Sun Lodge #50 F&AM, McMinn York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite Consistory 32nd degree Mason, and the Alhambra Shrine Temple of Chattanooga. He was associated with Aztec Industries in Chattanooga until his retirement, and was formerly associated with the McMinn County Sheriff's department and the Athens City Police Department.
He is survived by one sister, Clota Mae Derrick of Athens; several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted, 11:00 am, Friday, July 33, 2015 in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Pete Mullins officiating. A private committal service will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Chattanooga. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am, Friday at the funeral home prior to the service.
The family suggests memorials be made to East Athens Baptist Church, 301 Central Avenue, Athens, TN 37303.