Joseph William Ellis of Roswell, Georgia passed away on December 20, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina on February 18, 1946, the younger son of Albert John Ellis and Elaine Mitchell Ellis.
Joe spent his early years in North Carolina surrounded by extended family, many of whom were first generation Lebanese Americans. In the late 40's, the family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where Joe met many of his lifelong friends. His family attended St. Paul's Catholic Church where Joe served as an altar boy. At age 11, he had a neighborhood paper route, and his customers would often pay him with old coins which fueled his passion for coin-collecting. The family returned to North Carolina regularly, and it was there that he spent time in and around the many small businesses owned by his uncles, aunts, and grandparents. From them, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance.
Joe attended Bishop Berry High School, Class of 1963, and went on to graduate from Florida State University in 1967. He was an avid FSU football fan and a lifelong sports enthusiast. After college, he was employed by Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and later moved to Atlanta to work for the brokerage firm, Bach and Co. In the mid-70's, Joe turned his love of coin-collecting into a small business of his own when he founded Cherokee Rare Coins. Joe participated in coin shows throughout the country and was a lifetime member of the American Numismatics Association and the Georgia Numismatics Association.
In 1980, Joe married Margaret Lynn McLean. Shortly thereafter, they started a family and moved to Roswell where they raised their three children, Jesse, Joseph, and Jenny. During this time, Joe relocated his business from Buckhead to Alpharetta. Over the years, Joe created lasting relationships with his customers, employees, and other members of the local business community. He prided himself on the values that had been instilled in him as a young boy. The business continued to thrive, and he was a daily fixture in Cherokee until his retirement in 2011.
After retiring, Joe volunteered at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. As a courtesy shuttle driver, he found fulfillment in helping others and enjoyed getting to know the patients and staff. During his eight years of service, he developed many close friends and loved being a part of the volunteer community.
Joe is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret Lynn McLean Ellis; children, Jennifer White (Ryan White), Joseph Ellis, and Jesse Ellis (Marika Ellis); brother, Albert Ellis (Pamela Ellis); uncle, Johnny Mitchell; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe is also survived by his five adoring grandchildren, Everett, Emma, Evelyn, Katherine, and Ella.
A Celebration of Life for Joseph William Ellis will be held at the Northside Chapel on January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at Dreamland Bar-B-Que in Roswell, GA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Judes Research Children's Hospital.