Carter Ragland Ellis

  General Notes:

Published in Richmond Times-Dispatch on May 28, 2013
Obituary for CARTER RAGLAND ELLIS
ELLIS, Carter Ragland, of Chesterfield County, Va., died suddenly on Sunday, May 26, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burton Binns Ellis and Ethel Daughtrey Ellis. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 52 years; their two children, Richard and Tamara; sister, Sarah Davis (Jim); aunt, Marie Ellis; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his adoring dog, Buddy. Carter was a lifelong Virginian. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School and attended the University of Richmond for one year before transferring to Bridgewater College, where he earned a B.A. He earned an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves from 1955 to 1959. Following graduation from Bridgewater, he coached basketball, baseball and taught physical education, history and geography at Stanley High School, Scottsville High School, Page County High School and Rappahannock County High School. He served for several years as assistant principal at Thomas Dale High School. In 1967, Carter started working part-time with his father in the insurance business. After his father's death in 1971, he formed his own insurance agency which he and Jean grew into a successful business. They retired as owners of Carter R. Ellis Insurance Agency, Inc., in 2008. He was succeeded as owner by his dear friends, Denny and Lois Quaiff. Carter was an accomplished athlete and loved the game of baseball. He played for many teams, from young childhood through middle age. He was a starting third baseman for Bridgewater College, and played for a number of semi-pro teams in the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond area. In later years he enjoyed following baseball and had an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball history and statistics. He and Jean regularly attended games of the Richmond Flying Squirrels and closely followed the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals. They also were season ticket holders for the University of Richmond men's basketball. He was a skilled slalom water skiier and spent many of his summer days in the water. He greatly enjoyed spending time at his house on Smith Mountain Lake since 1990. He was a long-time vegetarian and animal lover, and could not turn away from an animal in need. He rescued many animals throughout the years, and provided a loving home to many pets. Carter was an avid fan of jazz and big band music, and had an enormous music collection. He enjoyed going to concerts and talking with musicians. He especially loved ballroom and swing dancing with Jean. The family will receive friends at Bliley's-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Road, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 30 at River Road Church, Baptist, 8000 River Road. A reception will follow at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carter's memory to the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, Va. 23220 www.richmondspca.org

  Noted events in his life were:

• Occupation: Teacher / Coach / Administrator / Independent Insurance Agent.

• Education: Bridgewater College.

Carter married Living