William Howard Ellis, Jr., 76, of Mathews, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Patricia Ellis, and his brother, Michael Ellis.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Ellis; his brother, Wayne Ellis and his wife, Lora Ellis; his daughter, Angela Foss and her husband, Donald Foss; his son, Benjamin Ellis and his wife, Samantha Davis Ellis; his granddaughters, Rachel Bryant, Rebekah Foss, and Hannah Riley; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

William spent his life working as a master electrician and talented draftsman. He took pride in his craft and even more pride in doing things the right way. He was a steady presence for the people around him—someone others could rely on without question.

To his family, he was “Bubba,” a name that fit him well and carried warmth in every use. He had a quick sense of humor and an easy way of making people feel comfortable. He enjoyed being around people, especially family and friends, and some of his best moments were the simplest ones—sitting together, sharing stories, and just being present. He also loved spending time with his beloved dachshund Stella, who brought him comfort, companionship, and much joy.

Above all, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy was being "Dad" to Angela and Ben. He cherished every moment spent with them and took great pride in the lives they built and the people they became. Becoming "Papa" to Rachel, Rebekah, and Hannah brought him another special kind of joy, and he treasured the time he spent with his granddaughters. Providing for and caring for his family was one of his life's greatest accomplishments, and his love for them was constant and enduring. He will be remembered for his hard work, his willingness to help others, and the quiet, steady love he showed in so many everyday ways.

Andrews Funeral Home in Gloucester, VA is handling the services on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The viewing will be held at 10:00 am and the service will be held at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Meals on Wheels program at Bay Aging.