Obituary of Keith Ellis

Memorial services for Charles Keith Ellis, 80, of Abernathy, TX, will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Abernathy First Baptist Church, with Rev. Damon Pearce and Rev. Joel Perez officiating. Services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy, TX. Keith died in his home on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Charles Keith Ellis was born August 7, 1943, to Charlie Ellis and Sybil (Rogers) Ellis in Lamesa, TX. Being the son of a ginner, his family lived in several West Texas farming communities before settling in Abernathy. While attending school in Abernathy, Keith met the love of his life, Susie Deering. They married in June of 1965, and during their 57 years together, they raised three children. Keith served as the assistant manager for many years at Consumers Fuel in Abernathy and was also a master propane mechanic. When Consumers Fuel sold, he worked several years for Acuff Propane in Acuff, TX, as the manager of operations. He then transitioned out of the propane business and opened S&K Tire Company in Abernathy, where he sold tires and serviced vehicles. Keith owned S&K Tire Company for over a decade before selling his pride and joy to enter retirement. After a short time though, Keith decided he wasn’t quite ready for retirement and took a part-time job at University Medical Center as a greeter. He enjoyed working there because he loved to connect with people of all ages—both young and old. For many years, he offered a shoulder to lean on, providing words of encouragement to the patients, faculty and students at UMC. As an example of his love and compassion, he personally provided “Beanie Babies” to the many young children being treated for cancer and various other illnesses. His genuine kindness did not go unnoticed, as he was once named UMC Employee of the Year. Keith always spoke very highly of the great relationships and lifelong friends he made while working at UMC. Keith’s passion was loving people. Whether it was dressing up as Santa for the Texas Tech Lady Raider Basketball Christmas Party or meeting and greeting people at UMC, Keith lived his life for others. He was a dedicated husband, a great dad to his children, a fun-loving “Poppy” to his grandchildren and a wonderful friend to everyone that was fortunate enough to cross his path. Keith leaves behind his daughter Kathie Richards of Austin, TX, and two sons—Kevin Ellis and wife Jennifer of Amarillo, TX, and Kory Ellis and wife Veronica of Cedar Park, TX. Keith had eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and his sweet but mischievous dog Bella. Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Susie Ellis. The family would like to thank Joel and Martha Perez and Jason and Sheena Adams. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors. We appreciate your love for Keith and your attempt to keep him in line over the years. The family suggests donations be made in Keith’s name to the West Texas Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, 110 Mesa Park Dr. #250, El Paso, TX 79912.