Gus Ellis Jr. was born on August 23, 1941, to proud parents Eloise and Gus Ellis Sr. He was their firstborn and only son, with seven sisters who loved him dearly. Gus was educated in the Cleveland Public School system. After leaving school, he joined the United States Navy in 1963. Gus served as a Machinist’s Mate Third Class (MM3) aboard the USS Reeves, where he provided vital support to U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean during the Vietnam War. He was extremely proud of his service in the U.S. Navy.

His naval training provided him with valuable skills that led to a career as a pipefitter. Throughout his career, Gus worked on many major projects, including helping to build a nuclear power plant. Whether working in Ohio, Pennsylvania or surrounding states, he remained a proud member and supporter of his trade union.

Gus took great pride in maintaining his sobriety for more than 39 years. Throughout his journey, he generously sponsored and supported many individuals, forming lasting friendships and building a cherished community around him.

After a four-month courtship, Gus married the love of his life, Doris McMichael, on April 21, 1990. Through their marriage, he became a father to Anita McMichael and Jewvon McMichael. Together, Gus and Doris shared decades of love, travel, laughter, and adventure.

Gus was an avid reader with a deep interest in science, world history, and politics. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan. He would often say that Doris was the one who made him like baseball, especially the Cleveland Guardians, and of course, he loved his game shows.
Gus was a supportive, fiercely protective, devoted, and loving caretaker of his family. He was a loyal friend to his many buddies and was deeply cherished by his extended family. We were proud of Gus and all that he accomplished, just as he was proud of us. He will forever remain in our hearts and will be remembered most for his enduring kindness, generosity, strength, and love for his family.

Whenever we told him we loved him, he would always respond:

“I love you too, you know that.”

Gus departed this life on Saturday, September 26, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise and Guss Ellis Sr., and his sister, Geneva Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Doris Ellis; daughter, Anita McMichael-May; son, Jewvon McMichael (Yvette); grandchildren, Dan May (Ammen), Cherice May (Hasan), and Milan McMichael; and great-grandchildren, Robert Rose III and Kyra Mutlaq.

He also leaves to cherish his memory; his sisters, Sharon Dumas (Ronald), Cleta Ramsay (Michael), Diana Stubbs, Jayne Sims (Dash), Patricia Hockett, and Gwendolyn Hockett; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Humbly submitted,
The Family.