Tom Ellis

Thomas L. “Tom” Ellis, 69, of Benton, peacefully departed this life on February 22, 2022, with his loving family at his side.

He was born on August 17, 1952, in Clarksville, Tennessee to the late William Thomas and Ruth Potter Ellis.  Tom graduated with the class of 1970 from Clarksville High School and later met then married the love of his life, Mary Sholders Ellis and together, raised their beautiful daughter Elizabeth.  Throughout life, Tom developed a passion for the United States Military Academy at West Point and strived to be their biggest fan.  He also loved helping people which led him to faithfully serving with TN Farmers Mutual Insurance for 24 years with 7 of those years, serving as General Agency Manager in Polk County.  He dedicated his life to his customers and was honored to be able to complete his career with Farm Bureau in Polk County.  A few of his achievements include, two-time Top Agent in the company from 2007 and 2008, eleven-time Top 20 Agent in the company, Honor Council Recipient 2001-2008 (qualified every year he was eligible) and Tom was a member of the Presidents Club 1985-2008.  Polk County and the surrounding area held a special place in Tom’s heart, and he will forever be remembered for how he conducted business and treated his clients with respect and dignity.  A man of God, he was a member at First Baptist Church of Cleveland, a faithful and devout supporter of Polk County High School athletics, and a true family man who loved spending time with his family who he loved dearly.  Loved and respected by his community, Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish the many memories include his loving wife, Mary S. Ellis; beloved daughter, Elizabeth (Jay) Powell; beloved granddaughter, Paris Powell and one sister, Billie Ruth (Eddie) Nanney.  Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Reverend Robby Hatcher officiating.  Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.