Ellis Charles Ashley Sr. an identical twin was born to Edward and Lillie B, Harrell Ashley on September 01, 1937 in Goodrich, Texas. The family moved to Houston, Texas. His mother and father are deceased. All of his sibling, Edward Ashley, Lendon Ashley, Timothy Ashley and Emma Ashley are also deceased.

Ellis attended Crawford Elementary school and graduated in 1956 from his beloved high school, Phillis Wheatley Wildcats. He loved to wear the purple and white colors that expressed the class of 56 to indicate he was one of them. Even though many of the classmates are deceased, those living remain a closely-knit group. They demonstrate support to each other by attending yearly class reunions, celebrating birthdays, supporting classmates and their family funerals and visiting each other when they are sick. Their long-term friendships are the epitome of what Gods expects us to do, to love one another.

Ellis served in the United States Army for two years and returned to Houston where he enrolled in Texas Southern University and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Industrial technology. He worked for several different companies before he landed a job at Shell USA Deer Park, Texas as a technologist that became his career aspirations. He retired in 1996.

Bowling was his passion and Joy. He was an avid bowler for over 60 years where he bowled three times per week until he retired from the sport in 2021. Ellis was a high roller who earned many awards year after year for attaining 700 points series. Many bowling teams desired him to be their teammate. Easy going, dedicated and skilled he had many choices yet he usually kept his commitment to who asked first. His second passion, keeping his lawn green and neatly trimmed no matter the weather gave him a sense of achievement.

Ellis listened to Jazz and blues seven days a week. Although not a license photographer, yet every event he attended he brought along a camera, took many pictures, developed them and sent them to the owner at no charge. This was his calling and he used it to make people happy.

A strong-minded community person, he was busy with the Armstrong Acres Civic where he worked on committees and served as president in 1992. During his administration, at Christmas time, Ellis motivated and led each street in the community to use lighted arches to decorate the streets. The beauty was awesome and enjoyed by many visitors from other neighborhoods over the years. Ellis leaves a legacy in the community as a neighbor who would graciously lend a helping hand when there was a need.

Ellis grew up in Peasant Grove Baptist Missionary Church where the late Rev. A. A. McCardell baptized him. Later at the same church in 1970, he married Dr. Mary Holt Ashley and to this union, they had a son, Ellis Charles (Chuck) Ashley Jr. Chuck married Tekesha Bell Ashley and made Ellis and Mary happy grandparents to Langston Holt Ashley.

On May 16, 2024, Ellis departed this earthly life at the We are Family Residential Home. Leaving to mourn are his wife Mary Holt Ashley, son Ellis Charles "Chuck" Ashley (Tekesha), grandson Langston Holt Ashley, and goddaughter Dominque Williams.  Nieces include Monica Ashley, Sikita Ashley, YeTeast Ashley Green  (Green) and Keisha Henderson. Others include several great nieces and nephews, in-laws, numerous bowling friends, and remaining Wheatly class of '56 members who loved him a lot. May his soul rest in peace.