William Ellis Obituary

William "Bill" Ellis VIII

William (Bill) Ellis VIII passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 71, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

A 1972 graduate of Old Fort High School and third-generation alumnus of The Ohio State University, Bill was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band. He regularly marched with his trumpet at the annual TBDBITL Alumni Reunion and was an avid Buckeye fan. His interest in music continued through the years as he played in Green Springs and Fostoria Community Bands and served as president of Redmen Music Boosters. He enjoyed his time spent working for Rural Serv, Ohio Farmers, Trico Glass, and Bigelow Glass. A lover of classic cars and all-around handyman, Bill could often be found working in his garage or out helping friends with projects. Some of his other favorite pastimes were listening to talk radio and watching James Bond movies, old Westerns, and car shows. He had a mischievous streak and an undeniable smirk that will be remembered by those who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandy; children Bill (Karen) Ellis IX and Lisa (Caleb) Shiff; as well as his brothers, Jim Ellis and Don (Deb) Ellis; brother-in-law, Bryan (Debbie) Walus; nieces Katie (Danny) McCarthy and Emily (Matt) Stockton; and nephew, Greg (Jess) Walus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and William Ellis VII.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Hoening & Son Funeral Home, 133 W. Tiffin Street, Fostoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org). The family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to Bill by the nursing staff at Independence House and Blanchard Valley Palliative Care and Hospice over the last several years.

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com