Wilbur S. Ellis Obituary (1929 - 2021)

AUGUSTA – It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father and Pop Pop, Wilbur S. Ellis on December 1, 2021 after a period of declining health. Wilbur Spencer Ellis was born on April 10, 1929 in his grandparent’s home on Eastern Avenue in Augusta, Maine. He was the first of five boys born to Herbert “Dutchie” Lester Ellis Sr. and Adele (Spencer) Ellis. He attended schools locally and graduated from Cony High School in 1947. While in high school Wilbur played varsity baseball and football. During the summers, starting when he was 15 years old, Wilbur worked at the Hudson Pulp and Paper mill when there was a shortage of manpower because of World War II. Wilbur was paid 59.5 cents an hour to work on the log piles, stacking and unloading logs from railroad cars. After graduation from high school, Wilbur joined the United States Navy for four years achieving an electrical trade (EM 2, USN) and serving on the U.S.S Hawkins DD-873 during Task Force 77. On June 14, 1952, Wilbur received a letter of Commendation For Outstanding Performance Of Duty and Loyalty to his country during the period of January 21 to May 9, 1952 from his Commanding Officer. He was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict and wore his veterans’ baseball cap proudly. After receiving his Naval Honorable Discharge in July 1952, Wilbur returned home and went back to work at Hudson Pulp and Paper Co. as an electrician. It was at a Fireman’s Benefit Dance in South China, Maine that Wilbur met Geneva and after a short courtship, they were joined in matrimony on Nov 15, 1952 at the Christ Church in Gardiner, Maine. Wilbur and Geneva had five children over the years. Wilbur worked his entire career of 42 years at Hudson Pulp and Paper Co. then later called Statler Tissue Corp, retiring in 1994 as electrical supervisor. After his retirement, Wilbur returned to the mill as a part time consultant then called Tree Free Fiber LLC. Wilbur was a dedicated financial provider for his growing family. He would work as many hours as possible because there was always a pair of shoes or something needed for his children. He was a kidder and was always playfully giving someone a hard time. Wilbur enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and golfing. He shared and taught these activities to his children. Over the years, Wilbur shot a lot of deer and caught a lot of fish. He always bragged he would be out hunting when he was age 91, and he did so. In his later years Wilbur enjoyed car rides with his bride Geneva, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed reading and watching sports especially all the New England Professional Teams. Wilbur belonged to the Grand Chapter of Maine Royal Arch Masons # 43, the General Grand Chapter # 10 Queen Esther Order Of The Eastern Star and Northern Masonic member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Maine and was a Kora Shriner. Wilbur is survived by his five children: Kim and spouse Rena, Timothy, Jill, Scott, Tracy Greaney and her spouse Scott; grandchildren: Michael and spouse Theresa, Kyle, Chelsea Haskell and spouse Bryden, Sarah-Ellis Humphrey and spouse Troy, Joshua and his significant other Danielle Doyon, Emily Stauffer and spouse Matthew, Benjamin Greaney and Adam Greaney; great grandchildren: Braden and River Ellis, Cooper Ellis, Ivan, Oliver, Avery and Everly Haskell, Caleb and Colby Humphrey, and Lillian Stauffer. Wilbur is also survived by his sister-in-law, Theresa Ellis, who kept in regular touch and was a source of great comfort. Wilbur was recently predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Geneva, who he sadly missed and is now joyfully reunited with. He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents Wilbur & Florence Spencer, and Herbert and Emma Ellis. Wilbur was the last surviving sibling being predeceased by Herbert L. Ellis Jr, Gary R. Ellis, David F. Ellis and Brett C. Ellis. The family would also like to thank Tony French for his many delicious homemade soups, warm blankets, and hugs. A very special thank you to Roger C. Hall M.D. and Sara for all the years of care they gave to Wilbur and Geneva. Additionally, a thank you to Togus VA for all the years of care they gave to Wilbur. Thank you to Androscoggin Hospice House for caring for him at the end. The children of Wilbur and Geneva would like to also extend a special thanks of gratitude to the staff at the Harold Alfond Cancer Center and Maine General Hospice for all their help and kindness during the time of our parent’s most pressing needs. Per Wilbur’s request there will be no visiting hours. Private Graveside services will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery in Windsor, Maine at a later date. Arrangements are by Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta, Maine. An online quest book may be signed, and memories shared at http://www.familyfirst.com Donations may be made in memory of Wilbur and Geneva Ellis at: MaineGeneral Hospice & Volunteers of Kennebec Valley P.O. Box 828 Waterville, ME 04903-0828 Payable to MaineGeneral Hospice Or online visit: give.mainegeneral.org/hospice