Mr. James Earl Ellis, Sr., 82 of Centre, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2013 at his residence. Mr. Ellis was a native of Cherokee county, and was a member of the Centre First United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Auburn University and was an innovator in the farming and seed industry.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 28, 2013 at the Centre First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Mullaney officiating. Burial followed in Cherokee Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Centre First United Methodist Church Building Fund. Perry Funeral Home directing. www.perryfuneral.net.

Survivors include his wife, June Ellis; sons, James E. (Mary Katherine) Ellis, Jr. of Monroeville, Charles E. (Leslie Gail) Ellis of Auburn; brother, W.A. Ellis II of Centre; brother, W.A. “Dub” (Sue) Ellis of Centre; sisters, Blanche Dykes of Centre, Martha (Bob) Leake of Covington, Louisiana, Sara (Ed) Swimmers of LaFayette, California; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by a son, Joseph R. Ellis.

Mr. Ellis was the son of the late Watt Andy and Linnie Little Ellis.