Obituaries

Garland Ray Ellis, 90, of California, Kentucky, died in his home surrounded by his loved ones on March 26th, 2026.

He was born in Owen County, Kentucky in 1935 to Harry Ellis and Lillian Littrel, where he was raised on a farm along with his 7 siblings.

Garland was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Louise, Betty Hymer, Charlene Colson and brothers Billy Ellis and Charlie Ellis. He is survived by his brother Layle Ellis, sister Sally Sebree, wife of 64 years Nancy Ellis, his children Kim Ellis Griffin (Kenny Griffin) and Kevin Ellis (Laura Ellis), his grandchildren Brittany Ellis (Amanda Ellis), Taylor Griffin Field (Justin Field), Felisha Gregory, Dalton Griffin (Anna Matchinga), and Megan Ellis Myers (Johnny Myers), great-grandchildren Isabelle, Novah, Noelin, Grayson, Sydney, Lena, and baby Myers.

Garland met the love of his life, Nancy, in 1960. What began as a friendship soon grew into something much deeper. After spending time together and building a quiet connection, Garland finally made his move, sharing their first kiss at a drive-in movie theater. From that moment on, they were inseparable.

Excited to begin their life together, Garland and Nancy were married on February 17, 1962. Their journey over the years was filled with love, companionship, and countless shared memories. In the early days, Nancy would look for Garland in his white Chevrolet Impala; later in life, she would find him just as eagerly on his golf cart, a simple but meaningful reflection of a love that grew and endured through every season of life. Their story is a beautiful reminder that true love doesn’t fade, it evolves, deepens, and stays constant through the years.

Garland was a hardworking, no-nonsense man whose tough love shaped those around him in the best ways. As the proud owner of his own construction business, he built not only structures but a legacy of dedication, resilience, and integrity. After years of hard work, he embraced a well-earned retirement, splitting his time between his homes in Kentucky and Florida, always happiest when surrounded by family. Garland found joy in life’s simple pleasures like riding his golf cart, keeping his lawn just right, tinkering with his tools, and trying his luck at the casino. He will be remembered for his strength, his work ethic, and the deep, steady love he showed in his own way.

A visitation will be held at Cooper Funeral Home in Alexandria, Ky on Saturday April 4, 2026, from 10:00am – 12:00pm, the funeral service will begin at 12:00pm and the burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery.