Melvyn Ellis

Melvyn “Duke” Ellis, 70, of Prince George, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, March 14, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born on December 15, 1951 in Petersburg, Virginia and was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence W. Ellis, Jr., paternal grandparents who raised him, Lawrence W. Ellis, Sr. and Blanche S. Ellis, and his loving wife of 37 years, Sharon M. Ellis.  Melvyn was a former member of the Army National Guard Reserves and was a retired Captain of the Hopewell Police Department.  Throughout his career in law enforcement, he had many achievements, including being a graduate of the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and he received numerous recognitions and commendations.  He retired from the City of Hopewell with more than 30 years of dedicated service.

Melvyn is survived by daughters, Stephanie Ellis Bailey and husband, Brad, and Jessica Ellis Sharp and husband, Blake.  He is also survived by a grandson, Wyatt Thomas Sharp.  He was a loving and devoted son, grandson, husband, father, and grandfather who was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3935 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11:00AM at the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory with interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, South Prince George, Virginia 23805. The family would like to thank the Virginia Cancer Institute in Petersburg, VA, including LabCorp, for the extraordinary compassion, care, and support they provided throughout his courageous battle with cancer.  In addition, the family would like to thank At Home Care and Hospice.  Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.