James Lloyd “Coach Jimmy” Ellis
February 22, 1936 -
January 31, 2021

Visitation

Service 

Interment

Obituary

It is with regret that we announce the passing of James Lloyd “Coach Jimmy” Ellis, age 84, of Fayetteville. A private family service has been planned with Bro. Ley Jean, J.B, Cox, Phil Barnes and Paul Barnes officiating.

Jimmy was born on February 22, 1936 in Petersburg, TN to the late Edward C. and Wynetka Barnes Ellis. He was a graduate of Petersburg Elementary and High School and went on to complete his educator degree at MTSC. He began his teaching and coaching career at Huntland High School in 1958, from there he went to Petersburg High School where he was the Principal and a teacher, as well as, the Athletic Director, and coach of the football team and boys and girls basketball teams. When he left Petersburg, Coach Ellis went to Central High School where he coached the girls basketball, football, and track teams. Coach Jimmy retired from the Lincoln County School System in 1996 as the Athletic Director and girls basketball coach. Jimmy was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2004. He was a member of the Army ROTC and a former Lincoln County Commissioner. Jimmy served as an Elder of the Mimosa Church of Christ and attended the Howell Church of Christ. Jimmy passed away at his residence on January 31, 2021.

Survivors include his wife, Faye Moon McKinney Ellis; children, Wyanne (Dwight) King, Melodie (Britt) Dye, Jamie (John) Cain, Jerry (Linda) McKinney, John T. McKinney, and Nancy (J.B.) Cox; grandchildren, Bonnie (Charles) Caldwell, Kristin (Rob) Carter, Jim (Christine) Dye, Kim (Heath Slayton) Dye, Sara (Adam) McCormick, Bob (Whitley) Cain, Chris (Caroline) Cain, Matthew McKinney, Mark (Andrea) McKinney, Ben Cox, and Julia Cox; great-grandchildren, Bruce Carter, Sophie Carter, Hannah Caldwell, Eliza McCormick, Nora McCormick, Oliver Cain, Weston Cain, Caleb Dye, and Emma Grace Dye. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his first wife, Fredna Mae Russell Ellis in 2012; and brothers, Bill Ellis and Maurice Ellis.

Coach Jimmy will be carried to his final resting place by pallbearers, Jim Dye, Bob Cain, Chris Cain, Rob Carter, Adam McCormick, Charles Caldwell, Bruce Carter, and Ben Cox and honorary pallbearers, Jimmy Buchanan, Johnny Dyer, Alvin Palmer, Tim Ellis, Keith Ellis, Chris Ellis, Jerry McKinney, and John McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Fayetteville Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 1718 Pulaski Highway, Fayetteville, TN 37334

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. James Lloyd Ellis.

Video Services

58 Comments

  1. Capt. Scott and Mayor Gwen Shelton

    To the family we say our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Coach was dear to us. He was responsible for both my first start as a Sophomore Linebacker and Gwen’s first start as a High School Basketball player.
    He was not only a Coach, but a mentor and most importantly into our adulthood, a friend with mutual respect for each other.
    We treasure our talks and laughter together.
    His imparted wisdom has been passed on to both our young men.
    Please know this family will never forget him.
    Bless you all

    Reply
  2. John Richardson

    Coach Ellis was a great man, who helped many people and loved everyone. I will forever remember how he always encouraged me, and how good he was to everyone. His smile and kindnesss will forever be remembered. He was a blessing to our community and to everyone who knew him. He will be missed by all, but knowing he is with Jesus is comforting.

    Reply
  3. Lissa Burton

    Wyanne, Melody and Jaimie: I sure hated to hear this on your Daddy. Wish I could say words that would make it less sorrowful. Know I am praying for your comfort in knowing he is with our Lord.🙏

    Reply
  4. Wilson Wright

    I am so very sorry to hear about Coach Ellis’ passing. He was a great inspiration to me.

    Reply
  5. Jean Lindsay/Pam

    So sorry for your loss Melody. Your in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

    Reply
  6. Faye Ford

    I am sending deepest and most sincere condolences to the family. The last time that I saw Coach Ellis was at our (Class of 1975) Reunion. He was one of the best teachers that I had at Fayetteville Central High School. He was always nice and kept a smile on his face. Rest in peace.

    Reply
  7. Dee Dee Travis

    So sorry to learn of Coach Ellis’s passing. He was such a great man and an awesome coach! Prayers to the family!

    Reply
  8. Jody Pigg

    Loved to hear him laugh…many fond memories from long ago…all the way back to Petersburg. Prayers for the family.

    Reply
  9. Wanda Williams

    So sorry about the loss of Coach Ellis. He was a wonderful man and loved by all that knew him, but especially by his students and athletes that really got to know him. Teachers were blessed by him too! Our thoughts and prayers to the family. May you find peace and comfort! Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams and Naomi Wallace

    Reply
  10. Bill & Thelma Hampton and Tim & Connie Porter

    A fine man with a fine family – he will be missed. Love you all. Prayers are with each of you.

    Reply
  11. LaRita Bailey Mitchell

    Wyanne, Melodie and Jamie, praying peace and comfort for you during this time.

    Reply
  12. Ray Sawyers

    A good man ,A good friend . He loved to play softball. Sorrow to the family .

    Reply
  13. GinaNeece

    So sorry to hear of Mr. Ellis’ passing. Such a wonderful Christian man.

    Reply
  14. Mike & Jeanie Hyde

    Coach Ellis was a good man and loyal friend to many students over the years. He was always the person the kids could go to if they needed somebody. He will be missed by all that knew him. He set a good example for people to follow with the way he loved his family and lived his life. Our love to all of you.

    Reply
  15. Lorie Waggoner French

    Prayers for his family for comfort. May he rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord that he loved.

    Reply
    • Larry and Wanda Hames

      Prayers for all the family. Remember him well from our years at PHS. Thought the world of him.

      Reply
  16. Deborah Blake Nabors

    They don’t make Coaches like him anymore, my deepest condolences to the family. Deborah Blake Nabors

    Reply
  17. Rex Walker

    Our prayers and thoughts be with you during this difficult time of sorrow.

    Reply
  18. Kim Halcomb Cowart

    Wyanne and family, Mr. Jimmy was an amazing man. His smile and kind heart touched so many people. May God comfort you during this sad time and allow all the wonderful memories to help heal your hearts.

    Reply
  19. Agnes Marie

    Jimmy was an amazing man. He was loved and respected by so many. He loved his family and gave so much to family and community.

    Reply
  20. Jimmy Stocstill

    Coach you was such a inspiration to all. A great man that cared about his students. Rest in Heaven.

    Reply
  21. Mike Mcalister

    Sad to hear of the passing of Coach Ellis. He was a great role model and influence to so many. RIP Coach.

    Reply
  22. Deborah Hardin

    Coach Ellis was a tremendous leader and inspiration for those of us growing up in Petersburg. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories and the love of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  23. Stacy Johnson

    Coach Ellis had a role in basically every aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. He embodied what it means to be a man of God. Glad to have been blessed by his friendship, I will truly miss him. May God wrap His loving arms around his family and fill each of you with His peace.

    Reply
  24. Jan Pylant

    Prayers for his family. He was Special to me. My basketball coach 1967-69.

    Reply
  25. Ronnie Thomas

    I am a 1984 graduate of LCHS. I will always remember Coach Ellis always having a heart of gold. He took time with any and everyone that needed him no matter what the situation was. He was kind, considerate and compassionate. I know he was a man that loved the Lord as well. The legacy and the everlasting memories that Coach Ellis left us will continue to live on in the hearts of all of us who knew him. May God Continue To Be With And Bless The Entire Family . You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers.

    Reply
  26. Lenace Hyde

    My thoughts and prayers to all of the family of Mr. Ellis! I always thought fondly of him in school and later in life .
    Keep all of your precious memories close !!
    Lenace Hyde

    Reply
  27. Sarah and Jack Raby

    Jack and I are so sorry. Our hearts ache with yours. We loved him. We will be praying for all of his family and the friends who loved him. We love each of you girls, too!

    Reply
  28. Janna (Bolles) Shope

    Coach Ellis was one of the very best! So thankful for his influence and encouragement during my school years.

    Reply
  29. Randall Shepard

    Lincoln County lost a good man today. Well done, Coach! Rest easy, sir.

    Reply
  30. Al Simmons

    Refereed a lot of football games when he was on the sidelines coaching – always a gentleman.

    Reply
  31. Mickey and Sharon

    Coach Ellis was a great man and great example to all of us. It was an honor to have played for him. To the entire family, you are in our prayers. My God comfort you during this time of sorrow and loss.

    Reply
  32. Patsy Bauer

    Coach Ellis was my boss @ LCHS. He was so easy to talk to. He knew how to make the students feel loved. Will never forget what a great man & good friend he was. Love you Coach !!

    Reply
  33. Marcella Scott

    With our sincere sympathy to the family
    Lynn and Marcella Scott

    Reply
  34. Mark Colbert

    I am so sorry to hear of coach Ellis’s passing. He was a very special person and i know he will be missed by everyone that knew him.

    Reply
  35. Lana Simms

    Such an amazingly wonderful man and so many will miss his sweet smile and personality. He was such a great coach and I have many memories of being on his basketball team that I will treasure ❤️ He was so proud of his family and I am thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer for comfort during this difficult time.

    Reply
  36. Karen Dye

    Coach Ellis always had a smile and kind word for me and my family. My condolences to his children and their families, and to his wife and the families that he loved later in life. He will be missed by all.

    Reply
  37. Linda F. Williams

    I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was a beloved friend of mine and will be greatly missed. He was always smiling with a kind words to everyone. I loved him.

    Reply
  38. James Laster

    Coach Ellis was a good man .and will be missed praying for the family

    Reply
  39. Ritchie Sullivan

    When the game was getting tuff Coach had a way of just looking me in the eye and even though I thought I was giving it all I had when he did this I could somehow find more.I loved this Man.

    Reply
  40. Allison Williams Heffington

    Thinking of this sweet family today and in the days ahead. Coach Ellis was a good one and shall be remembered and missed.

    Reply
  41. Lynn Brown

    So sorry to hear this prayers to the family.

    Reply
  42. Rickey Honey

    Coach you where and still so special in my life! When they say coach with yoir name its COACH! Prayers to the family!!!¡

    Reply
  43. Wanda Jennings Preston

    Mrs. Faye, many thought of and prayers for you at this sad time. Bless you!

    Reply
  44. Mike and Sandy

    We are very sorry to hear of your loss! We will keep the family in our prayers! We love you. Mike and Sandy George

    Reply
    • Fanny (Burns) Smith

      Coach will be missed. He was my teacher, my basketball coach and assistant principal at Petersburg High School. Saw him several years ago at a high school reunion. Prayers for his family and all of his friends❤️🙏

      Reply
  45. Gary & Jo Ann Thompson

    Faye, and all the family. Jimmy was a very good friend and we certainly will miss him and his pleasant smile. Each of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  46. Dianne Sullivan Cashion Sumruld

    Coach will be truly missed. I had the privilege of having him as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. There are lots of fond memories including baby sitting his three daughters.

    Reply
  47. Amy Osteen

    I so appreciated Mr. Jimmy’s humility. He was always so kind and encouraging when I would see him in the gym at what was then Fayetteville Junior High School when I first started teaching special education there. I know he has been an athletic coach as well as a LIFE coach to so many. God bless yoi, his family , as he has been ushered into Heaven.

    Reply
  48. Amy Clark

    My thoughts are with all of you. I have good memories of Coach from Central. As an adult, I enjoyed a First National Bank trip to Alaska along with Coach and Mrs. Faye. Hugs and prayers to your family.

    Reply
  49. Forrest Keith

    I will miss Coach Ellis, He was a friend and my driving instructor in school. My prayers go out to his family.

    Reply
  50. Tony and Lereca Swinford

    We are so sorry for your loss. Coach was such a sweet person.

    Reply
    • Sheree Stovall McGee

      Dear girls, We love you all. After losing your mother and now your father you will have to cling to each other for support. No one else can understand your pain & heartbreak like your siblings. Hold tight to each other. We pray for peace of heart & mind for you & your families.

      Reply
  51. Waidene

    What a wonderful man, you all are in my prayers. God Bless

    Reply
  52. Denise Lindsey Smith & Rickey Smith

    such wonderful memories of this coach @ Central High School! R.I.P. dear man….heaven gained another angel. our heartfelt prayers for the family.

    Reply
  53. Sandra Chunn

    I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Coach. He was one of the good guys. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    Reply
  54. Tracey A Smith

    Coach. You will always be in my heart. I think of you all the time and the things you taught me. Thank you for the memories. Tracey.

    Reply
  55. WandaShelton

    Sending my prayers to the Coach Ellis family. No one gave more to the schools in our area.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

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Memories

58 Comments

  1. Capt. Scott and Mayor Gwen Shelton

    To the family we say our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Coach was dear to us. He was responsible for both my first start as a Sophomore Linebacker and Gwen’s first start as a High School Basketball player.
    He was not only a Coach, but a mentor and most importantly into our adulthood, a friend with mutual respect for each other.
    We treasure our talks and laughter together.
    His imparted wisdom has been passed on to both our young men.
    Please know this family will never forget him.
    Bless you all

    Reply
  2. John Richardson

    Coach Ellis was a great man, who helped many people and loved everyone. I will forever remember how he always encouraged me, and how good he was to everyone. His smile and kindnesss will forever be remembered. He was a blessing to our community and to everyone who knew him. He will be missed by all, but knowing he is with Jesus is comforting.

    Reply
  3. Lissa Burton

    Wyanne, Melody and Jaimie: I sure hated to hear this on your Daddy. Wish I could say words that would make it less sorrowful. Know I am praying for your comfort in knowing he is with our Lord.🙏

    Reply
  4. Wilson Wright

    I am so very sorry to hear about Coach Ellis’ passing. He was a great inspiration to me.

    Reply
  5. Jean Lindsay/Pam

    So sorry for your loss Melody. Your in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

    Reply
  6. Faye Ford

    I am sending deepest and most sincere condolences to the family. The last time that I saw Coach Ellis was at our (Class of 1975) Reunion. He was one of the best teachers that I had at Fayetteville Central High School. He was always nice and kept a smile on his face. Rest in peace.

    Reply
  7. Dee Dee Travis

    So sorry to learn of Coach Ellis’s passing. He was such a great man and an awesome coach! Prayers to the family!

    Reply
  8. Jody Pigg

    Loved to hear him laugh…many fond memories from long ago…all the way back to Petersburg. Prayers for the family.

    Reply
  9. Wanda Williams

    So sorry about the loss of Coach Ellis. He was a wonderful man and loved by all that knew him, but especially by his students and athletes that really got to know him. Teachers were blessed by him too! Our thoughts and prayers to the family. May you find peace and comfort! Our love, Wanda and Bob Williams and Naomi Wallace

    Reply
  10. Bill & Thelma Hampton and Tim & Connie Porter

    A fine man with a fine family – he will be missed. Love you all. Prayers are with each of you.

    Reply
  11. LaRita Bailey Mitchell

    Wyanne, Melodie and Jamie, praying peace and comfort for you during this time.

    Reply
  12. Ray Sawyers

    A good man ,A good friend . He loved to play softball. Sorrow to the family .

    Reply
  13. GinaNeece

    So sorry to hear of Mr. Ellis’ passing. Such a wonderful Christian man.

    Reply
  14. Mike & Jeanie Hyde

    Coach Ellis was a good man and loyal friend to many students over the years. He was always the person the kids could go to if they needed somebody. He will be missed by all that knew him. He set a good example for people to follow with the way he loved his family and lived his life. Our love to all of you.

    Reply
  15. Lorie Waggoner French

    Prayers for his family for comfort. May he rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord that he loved.

    Reply
    • Larry and Wanda Hames

      Prayers for all the family. Remember him well from our years at PHS. Thought the world of him.

      Reply
  16. Deborah Blake Nabors

    They don’t make Coaches like him anymore, my deepest condolences to the family. Deborah Blake Nabors

    Reply
  17. Rex Walker

    Our prayers and thoughts be with you during this difficult time of sorrow.

    Reply
  18. Kim Halcomb Cowart

    Wyanne and family, Mr. Jimmy was an amazing man. His smile and kind heart touched so many people. May God comfort you during this sad time and allow all the wonderful memories to help heal your hearts.

    Reply
  19. Agnes Marie

    Jimmy was an amazing man. He was loved and respected by so many. He loved his family and gave so much to family and community.

    Reply
  20. Jimmy Stocstill

    Coach you was such a inspiration to all. A great man that cared about his students. Rest in Heaven.

    Reply
  21. Mike Mcalister

    Sad to hear of the passing of Coach Ellis. He was a great role model and influence to so many. RIP Coach.

    Reply
  22. Deborah Hardin

    Coach Ellis was a tremendous leader and inspiration for those of us growing up in Petersburg. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories and the love of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  23. Stacy Johnson

    Coach Ellis had a role in basically every aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. He embodied what it means to be a man of God. Glad to have been blessed by his friendship, I will truly miss him. May God wrap His loving arms around his family and fill each of you with His peace.

    Reply
  24. Jan Pylant

    Prayers for his family. He was Special to me. My basketball coach 1967-69.

    Reply
  25. Ronnie Thomas

    I am a 1984 graduate of LCHS. I will always remember Coach Ellis always having a heart of gold. He took time with any and everyone that needed him no matter what the situation was. He was kind, considerate and compassionate. I know he was a man that loved the Lord as well. The legacy and the everlasting memories that Coach Ellis left us will continue to live on in the hearts of all of us who knew him. May God Continue To Be With And Bless The Entire Family . You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers.

    Reply
  26. Lenace Hyde

    My thoughts and prayers to all of the family of Mr. Ellis! I always thought fondly of him in school and later in life .
    Keep all of your precious memories close !!
    Lenace Hyde

    Reply
  27. Sarah and Jack Raby

    Jack and I are so sorry. Our hearts ache with yours. We loved him. We will be praying for all of his family and the friends who loved him. We love each of you girls, too!

    Reply
  28. Janna (Bolles) Shope

    Coach Ellis was one of the very best! So thankful for his influence and encouragement during my school years.

    Reply
  29. Randall Shepard

    Lincoln County lost a good man today. Well done, Coach! Rest easy, sir.

    Reply
  30. Al Simmons

    Refereed a lot of football games when he was on the sidelines coaching – always a gentleman.

    Reply
  31. Mickey and Sharon

    Coach Ellis was a great man and great example to all of us. It was an honor to have played for him. To the entire family, you are in our prayers. My God comfort you during this time of sorrow and loss.

    Reply
  32. Patsy Bauer

    Coach Ellis was my boss @ LCHS. He was so easy to talk to. He knew how to make the students feel loved. Will never forget what a great man & good friend he was. Love you Coach !!

    Reply
  33. Marcella Scott

    With our sincere sympathy to the family
    Lynn and Marcella Scott

    Reply
  34. Mark Colbert

    I am so sorry to hear of coach Ellis’s passing. He was a very special person and i know he will be missed by everyone that knew him.

    Reply
  35. Lana Simms

    Such an amazingly wonderful man and so many will miss his sweet smile and personality. He was such a great coach and I have many memories of being on his basketball team that I will treasure ❤️ He was so proud of his family and I am thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer for comfort during this difficult time.

    Reply
  36. Karen Dye

    Coach Ellis always had a smile and kind word for me and my family. My condolences to his children and their families, and to his wife and the families that he loved later in life. He will be missed by all.

    Reply
  37. Linda F. Williams

    I am so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was a beloved friend of mine and will be greatly missed. He was always smiling with a kind words to everyone. I loved him.

    Reply
  38. James Laster

    Coach Ellis was a good man .and will be missed praying for the family

    Reply
  39. Ritchie Sullivan

    When the game was getting tuff Coach had a way of just looking me in the eye and even though I thought I was giving it all I had when he did this I could somehow find more.I loved this Man.

    Reply
  40. Allison Williams Heffington

    Thinking of this sweet family today and in the days ahead. Coach Ellis was a good one and shall be remembered and missed.

    Reply
  41. Lynn Brown

    So sorry to hear this prayers to the family.

    Reply
  42. Rickey Honey

    Coach you where and still so special in my life! When they say coach with yoir name its COACH! Prayers to the family!!!¡

    Reply
  43. Wanda Jennings Preston

    Mrs. Faye, many thought of and prayers for you at this sad time. Bless you!

    Reply
  44. Mike and Sandy

    We are very sorry to hear of your loss! We will keep the family in our prayers! We love you. Mike and Sandy George

    Reply
    • Fanny (Burns) Smith

      Coach will be missed. He was my teacher, my basketball coach and assistant principal at Petersburg High School. Saw him several years ago at a high school reunion. Prayers for his family and all of his friends❤️🙏

      Reply
  45. Gary & Jo Ann Thompson

    Faye, and all the family. Jimmy was a very good friend and we certainly will miss him and his pleasant smile. Each of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  46. Dianne Sullivan Cashion Sumruld

    Coach will be truly missed. I had the privilege of having him as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. There are lots of fond memories including baby sitting his three daughters.

    Reply
  47. Amy Osteen

    I so appreciated Mr. Jimmy’s humility. He was always so kind and encouraging when I would see him in the gym at what was then Fayetteville Junior High School when I first started teaching special education there. I know he has been an athletic coach as well as a LIFE coach to so many. God bless yoi, his family , as he has been ushered into Heaven.

    Reply
  48. Amy Clark

    My thoughts are with all of you. I have good memories of Coach from Central. As an adult, I enjoyed a First National Bank trip to Alaska along with Coach and Mrs. Faye. Hugs and prayers to your family.

    Reply
  49. Forrest Keith

    I will miss Coach Ellis, He was a friend and my driving instructor in school. My prayers go out to his family.

    Reply
  50. Tony and Lereca Swinford

    We are so sorry for your loss. Coach was such a sweet person.

    Reply
    • Sheree Stovall McGee

      Dear girls, We love you all. After losing your mother and now your father you will have to cling to each other for support. No one else can understand your pain & heartbreak like your siblings. Hold tight to each other. We pray for peace of heart & mind for you & your families.

      Reply
  51. Waidene

    What a wonderful man, you all are in my prayers. God Bless

    Reply
  52. Denise Lindsey Smith & Rickey Smith

    such wonderful memories of this coach @ Central High School! R.I.P. dear man….heaven gained another angel. our heartfelt prayers for the family.

    Reply
  53. Sandra Chunn

    I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Coach. He was one of the good guys. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    Reply
  54. Tracey A Smith

    Coach. You will always be in my heart. I think of you all the time and the things you taught me. Thank you for the memories. Tracey.

    Reply
  55. WandaShelton

    Sending my prayers to the Coach Ellis family. No one gave more to the schools in our area.

    Reply

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