Herbert Gerald Ellis

With broken hearts the family of Herbert Gerald Ellis, of Marietta, Georgia announce his  passing from this life into his heavenly home. Gerald was 86 years old at the time of his passing at the Tranquility Hospice Center @ Kennesaw Mountain on August 17, 2026.

Gerald was born on February 15, 1940, in Smyrna, Georgia to his parents Herbert Clay and Bertha Lee Nealey Ellis. He was the first of four children to bless the Ellis household. As a child Gerald enjoyed the adventures that country outdoor living offered him and his siblings. His parents taught him a strong work ethic that he enjoyed throughout his life.

Gerald was employed at Loveables Brassiere Manufacturing, before entering military service in the United Stated Navy. After returning home, he worked for Brinks Armored Truck Service then on October 17, 1964, he began his career with Eastern Airlines in Atlanta.

After marrying Bernise Ann Garland, they welcomed two adorable daughters into their family, Cindy & Cheryl. As time passed, the family continued to grow when grandchildren began to arrive – Cindy’s daughters Chanin and Amber and Cheryl’s daughters Tiffany and Kenna added to the love and joy Gerald enjoyed throughout his life. Joy began to multiply as his great-grandchildren came along - Kalei, Jazmyn, Justin, Aubrey, Bailey and in March 2027 “Poppy” was expecting another bundle of joy.

“A dad leaves his mark in the world through the love he gives his children.” – Author Unknown

Gerald was an avid gardener, he enjoyed the history surrounding World War II, but what brought the most joy was spending time with his family; and he made sure each one of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew how very much they were loved and how very proud he was of them.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Herbert Clay and Bertha Lee Nealey Ellis, his former son-in-law Ronnie (husband to Cheryl), his granddaughter Amber Stearns (daughter of Cindy) and ex-wife Bernise Garland as well as many other extended family members and friends.

His surviving family are: daughters Cindy Novis (Joey), Cheryl Holland (Larry); brothers Lamar Ellis and Jimmy Ellis and sister Shelby Hulsey (Cecil); granddaughters Chanin Stearns (Paul) Tiffany Bennett and Kenna High (Hunter); great-grandchildren Kaeli Stearns, Jazmyn Kamakana, Justin Patmon, Aubrey Bennett, Bailey Bennett and Baby High and his longtime companion Diane McFarland.

Gerald was a dedicated Christian, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a loving big brother, uncle and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.