The Life Reflections of Col. Frank Ellison 
Col Frank Ellison, a beloved husband, father, family member, and friend, peacefully entered his 
heavenly eternal home on the morning of September 20th at NYU Langone Medical Center after  
a prolonged illness which he endured with much bravery and fight as a true valiant soldier. 
A native of Waynesboro, Burke County, GA, Frank was born August 4th, 1948, to Aaron and 
Elnora Ellison who preceded him in death along with seven siblings: four brothers; Aaron, Jr., 
Mose, Henry and Phillip; and three sisters, Addie Lee, Rachel and Irene. 
At an early age, Frank became a member of God’s family joining Roberson Grove Baptist Church 
where he sang in the choir with his mother and aunt Jerlene (Lene). Following his move to New 
York, he became a part of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Flushing, N.Y. At Ebenezer, he participat
ed in various ministries and actively served on the Usher Board. Years later, Bro. Frank joined the 
Emanuel Baptist Church, Elmont, N.Y. were he continued to praise and serve God through regular 
service and Bible Study and the “Men With A Vision and Purpose” Ministry. 
A 1966 graduate of Blakeney High School, Frank is remembered for his outstanding athletic 
prowess i.e. playing several positions: quarterback, defensive back, kicker. Such athletic acumen led 
to future professional tryouts with the New York Jets and the World Football League in 
Philadelphia rank’s post-secondary education included earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 
Physical Education, a Master’s degree in Special Education and a School Administration and 
Supervisor (SAS) Certificate. 
Being one of purpose, skill and determination, other accomplishments lay wait for Frank on the  
horizon as he journeyed through life including a military career that spanned 31 years where he rose 
to the rank of Colonel. During his military career, Vietnam was his first assignment. Frank received 
several decoration/service medals and badges. (including the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army 
Combat Infantry Badge Vietnam, Army Commendation Medal Meritorious Achievement Vietnam, 
Army Commendation Medal meritorious Achievement Vietnam, Army Vietnam National Defense 
Service Medal, Army Bronze Star Medal and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 
three Oak Leaf Clusters.) He also had a 30-year career as an educator in the New York City School 
System, as well as schools in the private sector and the YMCA where Frank’s passion for teaching 
started. The last 27 years of his educational career, Frank worked as a gym teacher, a dean of stu
dents and basketball coach in an after-school program. The sentiment of the school in which Frank 
last worked: He was loved and respected by the faculty, the students and administration. 
Frank was deeply devoted to and cherished his family. He enjoyed life and embraced it dearly. 
Among his most enjoyable hobbies were weightlifting, tennis and an ever-increasing passion for 
God’s Word which made him particularly, during the latter years of his life, a powerful witness of 
the Gospel which he was not ashamed (Paraphrase, Romans 1:16) 
He leaves to mourn a loving lifelong wife and partner, Brenda and one son: Cedric Ellison (NY);  
along with two grandsons: Derrill Ellison (Alisha) (PA), Cedric Justin Ellison (FL); one great grandson: 
Gavin Ellison (PA); one great-granddaughter: Gianna Montrell Ellison (PA); one brother: Joseph 
Ellison (Shameka), (GA); one sister: Annie Anthony (GA); one brother-in-law: Hillary Washington 
(Betty) (MD); five sisters-in-law: Josie Ellison (GA), Leona Ellison (FL), Juanita Washington (NY), 
Judy Morrow (Harold), GA, Diane Stanfield (William), (WI) and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Emanuel Church Family.

Friends of Brenda at Martha's Retirement dinner.

My kids and us with Frank! They always looked up to him.

Ann Belfield enjoying the holidays with major Frank Ellison.

Thank you for your service brother Frank from Moore and Belfield.

Great Grandson Gavin 5yr old Birthday Celebration

Thanks for your service Papa/Col. Ellison, Veteran's Day 2024!!

Papa, I'm remembering the times you use to invite me to join y'all at Grand Lux Cafe, one of your favorite Restaurants on Long Island! I'm sharing this memory of Brenda and I Pre-Celebrating her 75th Birthday!

Thanks for your service Papa/Col. Ellison, Veteran's Day 2024!

Notice the shirt Uncle Franks is wearing.

Happy Veterans Day, in the presence of the Lord. 

Fort Jackson National Cemetery

USO IMO COL Frank from MSgt Hillary letter acknowledgement of contribution.

He was a loving and caring husband. Also, wonderful father and friend to all of her friends, 

May God Bless the soul of my great friend Frank , LTC ret. U.S.Army. I Thank God for all the great memories 🙏 ❤️ 

We miss you Frank!! It was great having you in our lives ❤️

An awesome mentor and friend to my boys and family! Rest in Peace and Power, Bro. Frank. Thank you for your service. 🤍

Brother Frank, we miss you and we are proud of the service to the USA!

Col. Frank Ellison was a great veteran. I got to know him a lot later when he joined our home Bible study.  He had a lot of faith in Jesus. He even said a prayer with us over the phone from his hospital bed. I'll always remember him 

Col.  Frank Ellison was a great Vietnam war veteran.    I knew him many years later when he joined our Bible study. He had a great faith in Jesus. He even gave a wonderful prayer over the phone from the hospital to our Bible study. I'll always remember him.

I miss my Brother-In-Law's humor.  He could speak about something that would just have you in "stitches" with laughter. 😃 

To my very SPECIAL Veteran of all times... Missing, Missing you Bro. Frank, who stayed on God's battlefield for as long as His Heavenly Father purposed for him.  Our Frinday Service Prayer 🙏🏽🙏🏽 & Praise Warrior for all times.  Thanks for making a difference in my life.  You stood the test of time, and God is satisfied for your contribution to this world... 
 
 Reva. 

We love you & miss you! Thank you for your service ❤️

Honey,
Thank you for your dedication and  proudly serving to protect our Country.
I am sharing a snapshot from your great grandson Gavin's 5th Birthday celebration, which was planned by parents, Derrill/ Alisha, and Aunt Lalita. Your son Cedric, grandsons Derrill (Alisha), CJ (Cedric Justin), great granddaughter Gianna, and  others helped make the celebration fun and memorable.
I know you are smiling in Heaven about this recent family time. 
With Love,
RIP on this 3rd Veterans Day!

Rest In Peace Brother-In-Law, as we remember and honor your service during this 3rd Veteran’s Day without you!

Happy Veterans Day,  Uncle Frank is resting in the presence of the Lord.

Brenda and Carols 75th and 73rd birthdays respectively celebrating at Prime on the Mile in Freeport, NY with our dear friend Marianne.

This is Bro. Frank visiting Divine Ministries of Faith CME Church in Atlanta,Ga. 

LtoR: Great Grandson, Son
LtoR: Great Grandma, Mother, Great Granddaughter  Grandsons 

I love this  Memory!  Happy  5th Birthday Gavvy!

Pops we had a great time with Family for Gavin's 5th Birthday celebration.

He purchased a home in my neighborhood. He was a very pleasant person to be around. I am sure just by his demeanor he was a great person to work with in the military.

Not sure why the pic did not attach to my original post. Let's try it again. 

Happy Memorial Day Uncle Frank! We miss you dearly, Love Victoria

On this day, I SALUTE you cuz for your years of service! I also admire your many accomplished while serving. Missing the good times shared with our family, as evidenced by the attached photo.  Funny how I always thought you were the cousin and Brenda married in! Rest easy!

Happy Memorial Day Uncle Frank from Your nephew E.

On this Memorial Day, we salute you and we thank you for your service. 

The Mitchell’s

Honoring a Veyeran friend Frank Ellison (2024), who Frank GAVE his all in service to his country. A man of valor, a servant who was always on the battlefield for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Our Brother Frank is missed. but still with us at P&P...  He's Resting In Heaven. 

S.I.P. Bro Frank! You
Are truly Missed.
Thank You for your Service! We here Climbing Jacob's Ladder,
Rest my Brother Rest

FRANK ELLISON

Service

VIETNAM

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

AIR MEDAL

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL

US ARMY,

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