Alvie Eugene "Gene" Ellison
December 13, 1940 – September 29, 2025

Alvie Eugene "Gene" Ellison was called home to heaven on September 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria Cravitz Ellison, and their daughters, Kathy (Stanley) Layne, Tammy (Johnny) Monroe, Connie (Jeff) Garrett, and Joy (Keith) Woods. Gene often said he was "rich" because he had his family, a sentiment reflected in the love he shared with his grandchildren: Michael (Katie) Layne, Lora (Marcus) Batchelor, Kaylan (John Paul) Moore, Brandon (Brittany) Woods, Bradley (Jordan) Woods, Amber Monroe, Morgan (Cale) Craft, Maureen Truett, and Mary Truett, as well as his ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Esko and Louise Ellison; his siblings, David Ellison, Elizabeth Makinen, and Esko Ellison, Jr.; his son-in-law, Charles Anthony "Tony" Truett; and his great-granddaughter, Katrina Russell.

Gene grew up on his family's farm in Garfield, Georgia, where he developed a lifelong love of farming and hard work. He graduated from Emanuel County Institute, where he proudly played for the ECI Bulldog football team. In adulthood, he lived in Meldrim, Georgia, before retiring in Portal, Georgia. Gene dedicated 40 years of his career to Stokes Contracting at the Dixie Crystal Sugar Refinery, where he was respected for his many skills and strong work ethic.

A man of deep faith, Gene attended Meldrim Baptist Church, The Meldrim Church, and El Bethel Baptist Church throughout his life. Known for his strength, kind heart, and willingness to help others, Gene had a gift for fixing engines and building anything he could envision. He loved tractors, farming, and most of all, being surrounded by his family. He had a special place in his heart for children and was a natural protector.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Gardens Senior Living, Sheila's Sitting Service, and Regency Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia for the compassionate care provided during Gene's final days.

Donations may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home,P.O. Box 329, Palmetto, GA 30268 or https://www.georgiachildren.org in Gene's memory.

The visitation will be on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home.  The funeral to honor Gene's life will follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Tom Whatley officiating.  The active pallbearers will be Michael Layne, Brandon Woods, Bradley Woods, Walker Layne, Marcus Batchelor, John Paul Moore, Cale Craft, and David Ellison.  The honorary pallbearers will be Hubert Sapp, James Stokes, Randall Edwards, Steve Tanner, Ted Riner, Chris Ellison, and Ben Ellison.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Meldrim, Georgia.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL - 901 West Highway 80 - Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444