Larry “LD” David Ellis
March 17, 1942 — November 7, 2026
Larry David “LD” Ellis, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on November 7, 2026. Born on March 17, 1942, in Montgomery County, Virginia, he was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and “Poppa.”
DAD/Poppa was never one to sit still. A man of many talents, he was an avid gardener, landscaper, plumber, mechanic, and antiques collector. He was happiest tinkering in his shops, listening to gospel music and Rev. J. Vernon McGee while taking things apart, turning wood into something beautiful, and bringing old machinery back to its former glory.
A true perfectionist with his tools, DAD/Poppa had a deep appreciation for antiques and the stories they carried. He firmly believed that the old ways still held great value. He loved a good home-cooked meal and found immense joy in tending his flower gardens, cultivating a large vegetable garden, and generously sharing his harvest with neighbors and friends.
As a father, DAD/Poppa was strict, but everything he did was rooted in his desire to instill strong, lasting values in his children. He taught them to work hard for what they wanted, keep things in their rightful place, honor their word, and always return a borrowed item in better condition than they found it.
In his later years, DAD/Poppa found great joy in being surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a special soft spot for the babies, delighting in taking them on golf cart rides to show off the creek he had poured so much time and energy into. A devout Christian, DAD/Poppa believed in taking care of what God had given him, and he lived out that faith every day. Poppa always told you he loved you when you were leaving and to be safe.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Thomas and Sarah Ellis; his daughter, Jennifer Ellis Hartman; his son, Randall Lee Ellis; infant child Devon Ellis; and his son-in-law, Mark Anthony Smith.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Rex Larry Ellis (Ann), David Leon Ellis (Debra), Regina Ellis Prillaman (Tim), Jeffrey Dale Ellis (Shannon), Jackie Ellis Thurman (Matt), and Julie Hesterline Tyree (Michael); and the mother of his children, Hazel Montgomery Ellis.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shannon Louise Ellis, Randall M. Ellis (Britny), Nathaniel A. Ellis, David L. Ellis, Jr. (Megan), Amy Ellis Bowman (Sheldon), Travis J. Prillaman, Tanner D. Prillaman, Morgan J. Prillaman, Hayden R. Ellis, Keaton G. Ellis (Mary), Ryan M. Ellis, Madison J. Thurman (Caelan), Mackenzie D. Thurman (Chandler), Jude A. Thurman, Logan B. Hartman (Courtney), Savannah J. Hartman (Nick), Skye Smith Rousy (Matt), Hannah E. Tyree (Seth), Norah G. Tyree, and Ayden R. Tyree.
He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Owen, Sophie, Alyssa, Sadie, Atley, Evelyn Gayle, Dakota, and Serenity Mae; and his best friend, Dr. Steven Lewis.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Franklin County EMS (Public Safety) Team for their extraordinary compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either organization.
Poppa leaves behind a rich legacy of hard work, faith, and love that will be passed down through his family for generations. He will be forever missed.
Funeral services will be conducted at Franklin Heights Church, 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026 with Rev. J. Larry Holland officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. His family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.