Virgil Ray Ellis, 89, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, December 18, at Brookdale Spring Shadows. Virgil was born in Boling, Texas on May 18, 1931, to Claud Lee and Lillie Josephine Ellis and graduated from high school in 1948 in Damon, Texas. Shortly after high school, Virgil took a job on the King Ranch as assistant to the veterinarian and tended cattle on the ranch and in transport to and from South America. While working on the ranch, he also attended Texas A&I University where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry. In 1955 Virgil married Clara "Jean" Thomas of Corpus Christi, Texas and began his career in the oil and gas industry.

Virgil's career path took him to National Supply Company, Division of Armco Steel, where he spent more than 30 years in oilfield sales and service. After retirement in the 1980s, he formed JVE Oil & Gas and continued his role in the industry as a consultant for another 25+ years. In his spare time, Virgil was an avid reader, loved to hunt, and loved to BBQ and cook wherever he found a kitchen. He spent many years tending his company BBQ pit and earned the title "Chief Cook" (and storyteller) at his hunting lease in Texas. He and his wife Jean were members of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston for more than 50 years.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Claud Lee and "Josie" Ellis, and son James Clayton Ellis (Helen). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Ellis of Houston, daughter Brenda Ellis Ogden (Harold) of Fort Collins, CO, son Virgil Ray Ellis, Jr. (Janice) of Katy, TX, daughter Sharon Ellis Hafner (Kevin) of Damon, TX, along with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org .

Condolence messages may be written for the Ellis family at www.garmanycarden.com .

Arrangements are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.