Robert W. “Bob” Ellis, 86, of Roanoke, VA, went to be with Jesus in his Heavenly Home on Sunday, January 8, 2023.  

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Ellis Cardwell; his parents, John and Dollie Ellis; his brothers, John Ellis and Sammie Ellis; and sister, Bettie Staples.

Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lynne K. Ellis; his daughters, Debbie Sawyer-Hodges (Jennie), Beth Graham (Greg), and Suzanne Helms (Scott); his grandchildren, Amanda Butler, Joey Cardwell, Taylor Monroe, Max Clendenon, Phoebe Graham, Olivia and John Graham; his great-grandchildren, Andrew Butler, Lindee Butler, Lucas Butler, Ashlynn Ewers, Everette Doster, and Lawrence Doster; and many special nieces and nephews.

Bob was a member of First Baptist Church, Roanoke. His Christian joy came from working many years with the children and youth at Oakland Baptist Church and First Baptist teaching Sunday School, RAs and Awana. He worked for 38 ½ years at Norfolk Southern (N&W) Corporation. He was a member of Gideons. He was a member of the Lions Club for 30 years.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Oakey’s North Chapel with Jay Dove and Jack Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the funeral home. 

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – North Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-1237.