Johnny Frank Ellis was born January 7, 1941 to the late Esmoline and Charlie Ellis in Miami, Florida.  Johnny Frank was affectionately known to many as “John and Jo-Jo.” He was the second of 12 siblings.  Early in life Johnny Frank demonstrated he was a “hard-worker” with an entrepreneurial spirit. As a young boy, he climbed Coconut Trees to gather coconuts for his oldest sister, Mamie, who made and sold Coconut Candy; as a teenager, he worked in a Shrimp Factory while attending school.  Johnny Frank was an accelerated student graduating high school at the age of 16 from Northwestern High School in Miami, Florida.  After graduation, Johnny Frank and his family moved to Akron, Ohio in July, 1957.

Johnny Frank was instrumental in supporting his family by working numerous odd jobs.  He was later offered employment with H&R Block and Chrysler Stamping Plant in Twinsburg, Ohio.  In August 1966, John accepted employment with Chrysler, where it became his life-long career until he retired in May, 2002.  While working at Chrysler, he served in progressive roles of leadership as a Press Operator, Benefit Representative, Financial Secretary and Vice-President of the UAW, United Automobile Workers.  After 35 years of distinguished service to Chrysler, he continued to be a servant-leader to his community as a Tax Specialist.

Educationally, John had a passion for knowledge and attended the University of Akron and Kent State University pursuing a degree in Business Administration.

John met and married Arthara McCullough, and to that union eight (8) children were born.  While John had a love for family and friends, his greatest love was evident in being a committed servant to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to his people.  In 1972 at Peoples Baptist Church, John was ordained as a Deacon under the tutelage of Reverend George Goodman.  He later united with the New Hope Baptist Church in 1985 serving as a faithful member in time, tithe, talents and thanksgiving.  His dedicated service to the Lord and to the people and was recognized by the Deacon Ministry, the congregation and the Pastor, Reverend Dr. T. DeWitt Smith, Jr. Reverend Dr. Smith honored John by allowing him to serve the congregation as a Deacon.  John also served under Pastor Bennie Williams, Pastor Marty Henderson and now Pastor David Nelson.  He continued to devote his time to the study of the Word of God and operating in the Spiritual Gifts bestowed on him as Deacon Chairman, Sunday School Teacher, Mid-Day Bible Teacher, Women of Virtue Advisor, Hospital/Nursing Home Visitation, Caregiver and whatever work his hands found to do for Kingdom Building.   In Addition to doing God’s work, he enjoyed watching the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indians and Browns.  His gregarious spirit and positive attitude will be sorely missed by ALL who knew him.  John was the recipient of numerous awards, recognition and commendations, his greatest honor was being a Servant “in Word and in Deed.”

John was preceded in death by his parents, Esmoline and Charlie Ellis; son, Johnny Frank, Jr; brother, Paul Ellis; sisters, Mamie Ellis, Diane (James ) Porter, Yvonne Walker and Marilyn Thompson.

John leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, caregiver and friend, Joyce; sons, Jerry Ellis (Akron), Arthur McCullough (New York); daughters, Ann Reynolds, Barbara McCullough, Debra Ellis, all of Russellville, AL, Shelby (Terry) Nicholson, Shelly Ellis of Akron, Erica Heller of Detroit, MI; step-children, Trent (Robin) Burley of Cleveland, James (Melanie) Burley of South Carolina, Zakiyyah Stewart of Akron; brothers, Isaiah (Elaine) Ellis and Hal Ellis; sisters Geraldine Smith, Sharon (Marvin) Brown, Arlene (Leon) Matthews (Lake  Wood, CA) and Sylvia (Kevin) Tolbert; devoted granddaughter Yaschia Nelson; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; brothers-in-law, Milton Walker and Terry Thompson;  sisters-in-law, Cassandra Cook, Priscilla Jones and Nannette Burley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.