Byron Ellis - Obituary

yron Richard Ellis”Rich” of Annapolis, formerly of Ocala, Florida, died at Anne Arundel Medical Center on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 of natural causes. He was born on October 1, 1927 in El Centro, California to the late Byron Nelson and Ivra Ellis. He joined the US Navy in 1947, after being discharged he became a cryptographer and was employed by the US Government. He spent most of his career working at NSA and retired in 1979. Byron was the first commodore of the Whitehurst Yacht Club in Severna Park and he was a member of the Phoenix Society. He enjoyed various hobbies throughout his lifetime. He liked golfing, hunting, motorcycling and traveling. His travels were by land and sea. He was particularly fond of RVing and Cruises. He was married on October 21, 1948 to his late wife Ruth Aileen Ellis. They were married for 58 years and she died on June 4, 2007. He is survived by one son, Byron R. Ellis, Jr. of Severna Park, three daughters, Aileen R. Maertens of Kapolei, Hawaii, Lisa A. Grant of Lothian and Myra Ellis of Pasadena, two brothers, Bobby Joe Ellis of Salem, Oregon and Carl Eugene Ellis of Fresno, California, nine grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and his special companion “Lola”. He was predeceased by two brothers, Harry and Harold Ellis. Friends are invited to Byron's Life Celebration on Saturday, March 28 at 11:00AM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater,MD. Inurnment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy, Annapolis, MD. 21401