Charles M. Ellzey

A Memorial Service for Charles M. Ellzey, Jr., 75 of Cookeville, TN, was held Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Rev. Joseph Johnson officiated. Mr. Ellzey’s family received friends Saturday from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. In addition, a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. Father Henry McInerney will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until service time. Mr. Ellzey died Monday, January 27, 2014 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born February 17, 1938 in Meridian, MS to the late Charles M. Ellzey Sr. and Edna Earl McCoy Ellzey. Charles was a 1956 graduate of Meridian High School. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi (then Mississippi Southern College), and was a standout football center offensive lineman, leading the 9-0 undefeated team to the 1958 UPI Small College National Championship. Charles was drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the Chicago (now Arizona) Cardinals, where he played for two seasons. Following his success as a football player, Charles was a successful coach at Gulfport High School for six seasons. He later worked as a salesman for the Flexitallic Gasket Co. based out of Houston, TX for over 20 years until his retirement in 1994. On April 11, 2003 he was inducted into The University of Southern Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. He moved to Cookeville from the Gulfport, MS area in 2006 where he enjoyed the mountains of Tennessee, Cookeville's central location and spending time with his beloved wife. He was of the Catholic faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Necaise; and by a brother, Ricky Ellzey. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Deeta Burrow Ellzey of Cookeville whom he married January 16, 1976 in Gulfport; four daughters, Shari (Robert) Miller, Kim (Mike) Ross all of Diamondhead, MS, Pam (Jesse) Parker of Pass Christian, MS and Tanya (Ed Jr.) Hanner of Granville, TN; son, Derek (Beth) Rose of Fair Hope, AL; grandchildren, Gage and Jettie Necaise, Luke and Sydney Lane Miller, Erin and Emily Ross, Raegan Chelse and Bailey Lander, Noah Barrett, Ella and Anna Rose, and Thomas and Katherine Miller, and by great-grandchildren, Hadley Moran, Kale Ladner and Brayden Hoda. Charles' family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.