Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Ellis

Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Ellis, age 79, of Ball Ground, Georgia, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin, Georgia. Born in Canton, Georgia, on March 6, 1946, he was the son of the late Jackie Lee and Elsie Lee Ellis. Dr. Ellis was a devoted husband, father, and servant of the Gospel. He earned a Doctorate in Theology from Andersonville Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Divinity from the Piedmont College of Theology. For many years he faithfully served as pastor of Zion Temple Church of God, guiding his congregation with compassion, integrity and spiritual vision. In addition to his pastoral work, he was a dedicated Mason—member of Canton Masonic Lodge No. 77, where he served as Past Master and longtime Secretary—and a committed Shriner with the Yaarab Shrine of Atlanta, including service as a “Roadrunner,” transporting children to Shriner Hospitals. He also served as Past President of the Cherokee Shrine Club. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Haney Ellis of Ball Ground; his children, Dr. Celena (Pastor John) Pierce of Ball Ground, Georgia; Dr. Richard Ellis of Augusta, Georgia; Lisa (Craig) Cobb of Ball Ground; Angel Haney of Ball Ground; and Ray (Hope) Haney of Canton, Georgia; his sister Hazel Kinsey of Cleveland, Tennessee; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia. A funeral service in honor and celebration of Dr. Ellis’ life will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Darby Funeral Home, with Pastor Dottie Williams officiating. Masonic Honors will be presented by Canton Lodge No. 77. Interment will follow at Macedonia Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, the charitable organization toward which he dedicated much of his effort. donate.shrinerschildrens.org Dr. Ellis’ life embodied service, faith, and love. He leaves a legacy of spiritual leadership, community engagement, and family devotion that will be celebrated and cherished by all who knew him. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ellis family.

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Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Ellis

March 6, 1946 - November 7, 2025