William "Bill" Ellis

William "Bill" Cohen Ellis, 90, of Petersburg, VA, died peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Southside Regional Hospital. Bill was born in Hartsville, SC, to the late William V. and Beatrice Gainey Ellis. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 56 years, Mona Ellis; three children, William C. Ellis, Jr. (Joellen), Kelly McGinn Hughes (Steve), and Todd H. McGinn (Joanna); four grandchildren, Kala Hurd (Don), Derek Ellis (Angie), Lauren Edwards (Sam), and Meredith Hughes; and four great-grandchildren, Cameron Hurd, Hannah Hurd, Liam Ellis, and Dawson Ellis. 

Bill attended Thomas Dale High School before serving his country in the Air Force. After finishing his tour of duty, he worked at Channel 8 as a cameraman. A few years later, he went to Fort Lee to work as a Television Production Specialist before retiring in 1988. 

Bill enjoyed bowling and watching sports. He was a big fan of Duke basketball. He was a devoted member of Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg and served as an Elder. Bill achieved his private pilot license and loved to fly. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, who will forever treasure the wonderful memories of their time together. 

A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, 419 W Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803, on Tuesday, July 14, at 11:00am. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service, at 10:00am, in the church parlor for family and friends. 

Following the funeral service, a smaller graveside ceremony will be held at Blandford Cemetery. Friends and loved ones who wish to accompany the family are warmly invited to attend.