Eric Keith "Smiley" Ellzey

Eric Keith “Smiley” Ellzey, son of Wes and Mary Lou (Goodrich) Ellzey, was born June 9, 1963 in Waynesville, Missouri. Eric grew up mostly in the Laquey area and graduated from Laquey High School in 1982. On June 10, 1990, Eric was united in marriage to Tonya Marissa Varner in St. Robert, Missouri. They shared over 21 years of marriage together and were blessed with two daughters: Rebecca and Karen. Eric was a hardworking man and worked several years for J. J. Williams Construction and various other construction companies. In 2008, Eric became employed on Fort Leonard Wood in the Mess Hall. In his spare time, Eric enjoyed being outdoors while fishing and hunting. He also liked to watch NASCAR and also loved visiting with the guys at McDonalds, Texaco and Buckhorn. Most importantly, he cherished the times spent with his family and friends. Eric accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and he and Tonya were members of Harvest Tabernacle in Lebanon, Missouri Eric passed away at 8:50 a.m. Sunday, September 11, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with a brain tumor. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Eric leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Tonya Ellzey of the home; two daughters: Rebecca Nicole Brown (Matthew) of Buckhorn, and Karen Daniella Ellzey of Richland, MO; parents: Wes and Mary Lou Ellzey of Waynesville, MO; one sister: Tanya Kempker of Westphalia, MO; one brother: Kevin Ellzey of Waynesville, MO; maternal grandmother: Ruth Goodrich of Waynesville, MO; mother and father-in-law: Karen and Ronnie Fincher; very special aunt: Irene Berry; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Christopher Thorton officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace”, “Stand By You”, “Good Morning Beautiful” and “Look for Me” were played. Serving as honorary escorts were Larry Echleberry, Jeff Chapman, Kevin Ellzey, Gary Clark and Robbie Sapp. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/ St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Eric Ellzey and may be left at the funeral home.

Eric Keith "Smiley" Ellzey

June 9, 1963 - September 11, 2011