Thomas Albert Lewis Ellis departed this life to be with his Heavenly Father on August 23, 2026. Albert was born to the late O.V. Ellis Sr. and Ruth Boyce Ellis in Kings Mountain, NC on May 8, 1950. He grew up and served as a faithful member at St. Paul United Methodist Church; he also attended KM Family Worship Center and sang solos on the choir during the annual Easter and Christmas Cantatas. Albert attended Kingdom Living Ministries where he served as a Deacon.

Albert graduated from High School at the age of 16 years old. Before joining the U.S. Army in 1970, he worked at the Kings Mountain Bowling Alley. Albert proudly served our nation in the United States Armed Services for 27 years, during this he served in Vietnam, while obtaining the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign w/60 device, Vietnam Service Medal, w/2 Campaign Stars, One Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 1st Class Badge (hand grenade), and Sharpshooter M16 Rifle. Albert trained in aircraft and helicopter maintenance along with AH/IG helicopter courses. While in active reserve, Albert was employed at Firestone Fibers & Textiles for 37 years where he was a Supervisor and a Department Manager.

Albert attended and graduated from the NC School of Broadcasting, and he later became a radio personality and a DJ for WKMT. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Gardner Webb University. After retiring from Firestone and the U.S. Armed Services he went on to work at the NC Department Motor Vehicles as a Driver License Examiner.

During Albert's younger years he developed a passion for Tae Kwon Do. Under the leadership of the Burris Academy of Karate, Albert earned his Black Belt. He loved comic books, crossword puzzles, solitaire, anything to do with History, and Jeopardy was his favorite TV show. Albert was a member of Davidson Association and a lifetime member of the DAV.

Albert had great love and compassion for his family and was not only spoiled by his mother but extremely spoiled by baby sister Becky. Albert was proceeded in death by his loving parents O.V. Ellis Sr. and Ruth Boyce Ellis, siblings Virginia Ellis, O.V. Ellis Jr., Barbara Jean McDaniels, and Michelle Ellis. He leaves to cherish in his loving memory his son Joshua Thomas Ellis, three sisters Linda Bell (Ezell), Becky Ellis Smith (Frank), Kathi Simpson (Tony), and one brother Glenn Ellis. Two bonus daughters Mercedes Riley and Jamaica Jenkins and four bonus grandchildren Lexxis, Toniyah, Javarein, and Zarein. A host of nieces and nephews. A special great-nephew Tyrece Crawford.

A funeral service will be held August 29, 2026 at Family Worship Center, Kings Mountain. Quiet hour will begin at 12:30 pm with services following at 1:00 pm. Internment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.