Biography:

Tony Daniel Ellis, 87, of Little Rock, passed away on September 2, 2026, at Baptist Health in Little Rock.

Tony was born on February 11, 1939, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Louise Burley Ellis and Gilbert Allen Ellis. He moved to Little Rock at the age of two and grew to love the city's history, delighting in telling stories of what it was like growing up there before much of it was developed. His father opened Capital City Lumber Company in Little Rock, once located on 12th Street before University Avenue was developed in that area.

Tony grew up attending school in the Little Rock School District and graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1957. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1955. He grew up attending Pulaski Heights Baptist Church and was a longtime member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He went on to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Sixty years ago, Tony joined The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, Local 155. He worked in the trade as a Building Trades Journeyman Pipefitter for more than 40 years, serving the final 20 years of his career as Local 155's Business Manager. He was also a member of the North Little Rock Elks Lodge for 30 years, a Mason for more than 45 years earning the 32nd degree rite, and served for 20 years with Alcoholic Beverage Control, including in leadership roles during his appointed term.

Tony loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed golf, particularly at Western Hills Golf Course, trips to the beach in Cancun, Mexico, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. He had a gift for socializing and made new friends everywhere he went — friends who quickly became like family. Tony lived a full and rich life, surrounded by love for his family and for old friends and new alike.

Above all, Tony loved his family, especially his wife of 52 years, Arris Darlette Doster Ellis, whom he met at the historic Chateau DeVille. Tony and Darlette were married on January 11, 1975, at Danville Methodist Church.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Mark Allen Ellis.

He is survived by his wife, Darlette; his son Anthony Ellis and wife Bridget, of Little Rock; his son Wesley Ellis and wife Lindsey, of Springdale; grandchildren Josephina, Noah, and Liliana, of Little Rock, and Lucas, of Springdale; sisters-in-law Charlette Daniel of Clarksville and Sandra Garner of Waldron; brother-in-law Charles Doster of Atchison, Kansas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pulaski Heights United Methodist TV Endowment, a ministry Tony was able to benefit from in his later years, or Arkansas Children’s Hematology Oncology program at archildrens.org/donate .

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the healthcare providers who cared for Tony and helped him live a full, quality life. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com