Paul Wilson Ellis
August 8, 1952 ~ May 3, 2025
Paul Wilson Ellis passed away on May 3, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, after being diagnosed with lung cancer in January of 2024.
He was born August 8, 1952, to Wilson Ellis and Ruth Hope Millen Ellis.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sally Ellis; daughters Jennifer Ellis (Kyle) and Stacy Dahlgren (Paul); their mother Sandra Ellis and six cherished grandchildren: Jason Stanton, Summer Cuevas, Selena Ellis, Jordan Stanton, Savanna Dahlgren, Paul Dahlgren and one precious great granddaughter Kayden. Stepsons; Michael Gerard (Catherine) and Preston Gerard.
A proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Class of 1970, He was a drummer in the marching band and went on to play the drums in a local band around town. Paul dedicated 32 years of service to the Jacksonville Electric Authority. His commitment and work ethic left a lasting impression on colleagues and the community alike. Following his retirement, he worked as a Contract employee for Southern States, the largest high voltage switch manufacturer of high voltage disconnect switches in the world. With this job, Paul was blessed to travel the United States and do what he loved for 15 years.
Outside of his professional life, Paul found great enjoyment in scuba diving. He received his Scuba Diving Certification then went on to receive Enriched Air Diver, Rescue Diver and Open Water Diver certifications. Again, he was able to travel to beautiful places and enjoy the beauty of creation in the open waters of the world.
He participated in NHRA racing, taking six weeks leave from JEA to work and travel with the Don Garlits racing team. Paul began attending NHRA Gator Nationals in Gainesville, FL in 1970 and continued attending every year until 2025.
He valued his boating time, fishing, water skiing and cruising the waterways around Jacksonville. Paul attended the Ortega River Club and Christian Family Chapel, where he volunteered his time and developed lasting friendships.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.
View current weather.
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
RIP Paul. JEA friend and worker.
My condolences, and prayers for the family and Paul.
One of the friendliest, down to earth men I had to the pleasure of knowing. Meet Paul many years ago working on GIS equipment with JEA. Paul introduced me to the world of NHRA racing. Nothing better than sitting along side Paul, seeing him crack a grin at the start of a race and being spickled with tire dust.
You are one of kind and will be missed. RIP and may God protect his family.
God's speed to an everlasting life in Heaven, Paul.
RIP Paul. You were a great friend and I appreciated knowing you and being part of your life for over 25 years. Thank you for introducing me to NHRA racing and I enjoyed the trips to multiple Gator Nationals and Peach State Nationals as well as heading to PA and TX for race weekends. Also enjoyed our time together for Intercoastal boat rides and just sitting down for sushi and drinks to discuss life. On a professional side, Southern States appreciates all the skill and expertise you brought to our company in handling some of the toughest assignments…you always made us better and your commitment to excellence in all you did was evident and a trait the team worked hard to emulate.
You will be missed, but as I said before, I feel blessed that I was able to call you a friend and rely on your wisdom and council for the so many years.
Paul and I worked together for nearly his entire time at Southern States. In fact, he was the only technician that they allowed to come out and work on their equipment for many of those years. Paul, though a bit grumpy in his old age (Alot like myself) was really well liked and admired. He will be dearly missed. Prayers for healing for the family as you celebrate his life.