After graduating High School he joined the United States Air Force serving in a variety of assignments as an Airman from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota to the Azores in Portugal.
For over 30 years, Paul worked in the telecommunications industry, starting as an independent contractor with Stromburg and Carlson. He then went to work for Continental Telephone Company which then became Contel rising to the position of District Supervisor. After his retirement from the telephone company he spearheaded the effort to bring 911 to Hancock County.
Paul is also known by the nickname "Buzz" to his friends and family in and around Huntington, West Virginia.
Paul was a member of the Carthage Eagles Club, and loved socializing with his friends.
He is survived by: 2 sons - Brian Ellis and his wife Ailey of Ft. Leavenworth, KS and Steve Ellis and his wife Amy of Charlotte, NC; 1 daughter - Terry Ellis of Rockford, IL; 1 sister - Peggy Cremeans of Huntington, WV; 8 grandchildren - Melissa, Zachery and Nathan Ellis, Steven Mazzola, Brandon, Michael, Amber and Tabatha Sawyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Barbara George and Betty Hutchison, 3 brothers Herman Walter Jr., Edward, and Donald Ellis.
Graveside funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:00 PM in Huntington, WV at the Woodmere Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6pm until 8pm at Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation in Peoria, IL.
Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments in Huntington.
