Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Erle Dean Ellis, aka Double E, Erle the Pearl, Captain Cash and GPOP, age 85, passed away December 13, 2021. He showed up at Heaven's glorious gate with a golf club in his right hand and a stiff gin in his left. Spread across his face was his trademark mischievous grin as if he were saying, "I have come prepared!"
Welcoming him with a warmhearted embrace, was his beloved grandson, Dean, adoringly named after him and his treasured mother-in-law, Mildred Elizabeth Stinson.
His wife, Sally "Blondie" of 61 years, stood by him ad with him through thick and thin and everything in between. My dad had two daughters, Julie (Austin) Speed and me, the youngest, Jennifer Elaine Haynes with Michael Haynes his devoted son-in-law. His crown jewel was his granddaughter, Natalie Elizabeth. He was immensely proud of her and respected her moral compass. Dad would shed tears of joy when she sang to him and referred to her as his sweetheart.
His brother, Cliff, sister, Nancy and dear nephew, David will continue to celebrate him for years to come.
He was born in Norwalk, OH and attended Bowling Green State University. He was a beloved high school senior teacher, and a tenacious basketball coach. My dad loved competition and challenges and soon the corporate world came calling. He had the privilege of working for Shell Oil for 30 plus years. At the headquarters in Houston, TX he was the General Manager of Real Estate from the West Coast to the East Coast. He was a mover and a shaker, and relished his leadership responsibilities. Dad was a self-made man. He earned every dollar and every accomplishment on his own. His greatest years were when he worked at Shell, and he was endlessly grateful for their support. They were a second family to him.
Erle had the gift of the gab, and possessed the talent of telling a story or a joke like nobody else. His quick wit, silver tongue, and wicked sense of humor were legendary.
He revered his 40 years as a member of Champions Golf Club in Houston. Not only was golf his passion, he also loved playing cards. Many games, drinks and spirited stories were shared with his buddies in the locker room; thank you, Champions Golf Club for the comradery, competition and class my dad so profoundly loved.
During his retirement years, he served on the Board for Northern Builders in Schiller Park, IL. Thank you, Tom and Jim Grusecki, for having my dad be a part of your exceptional company and being superb friends. He respected you both so much. He also served as Board President of the Humane Society in Sandusky, OH because he always had a genuine love for animals.
We will miss his famous one liners such as a "I'll do the thinking" "Bring me my money clip" "Don't let pride interfere with logic" "Just to take the edge off" and "Whiskey!"
To his family and friends, he was loyal, generous, hilarious, successful, supportive, whip smart, feisty, stubborn and unwavering. To me, he was my anchor. He was the dad that whistled tunes for all my friends, showed up to all my games and events, and never missed an opportunity to challenge me and make me laugh. We were the dad and daughter duo that left no stone unturned and had true unconditional love.
Throughout his life he made some solid tried and true friends. They were faithful from start to finish, and my dad loved them.
Thank you to Mike Rose and Dan Boz for your loyal friendship, you two were my dad's partners in crime and famous in the Ellis house. Thank you to the unfailing George Hadley, Nick Staropoli, Leroy Drury, Dallas Wolf, Dennis Stavinoha, Jim Thomas, Lance Bubba Stanfill, Jeff Burrows, and the steadfast true-blue Jim "Pitch" Pitcher.
Thank you to all of the aides and nurses at Stein Hospice in Sandusky, OH. They were angels on Earth for my dad and shared their gift of compassion and tender care every step of the way.
At the end of the day, all of my dad's love, effort, and focus was on his family. Mom, Natalie, and I gave back to him what he had selflessly given to us. We took care of him until the end
In memory of my dad, please go out and fill up your tank with gas from Shell Oil! Share a funny story or memorable moment about him while smoking a good cigar after a perfect round of golf. Turn on some Neil Diamond or Dean Martin and pour yourself a nice drink. Raise your glass and make a toast to the rarest of gems, Double E.
It was an honor to be your daughter, dad. There will never be another like you.
Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
