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WARREN -- The Rev. Charles F. Ellis completed his earthly journey on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, magnetic authenticity, unwavering advocacy and unconditional love for his community and family that will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
He was born on Dec. 15, 1953, the second of eight children of the Rev. Charlie Lee Ellis and Dollie Maud Gunn Ellis.
Rev. Charles F. Ellis lived a life rooted in faith, service and an unwavering love for people. His bright smile and a warm, contagious laugh meant he never met a stranger. He always had an encouraging word to offer, consistently leaving you better off after every interaction because of the sincerity of his love and compassion. His daily prayers anchored his life, and his heart was happiest when lifting up others, bringing souls to Christ, and spending time surrounded by family and friends.
Rev. Ellis attended Youngstown City Schools and graduated from East High School in 1972 as a proud Golden Bear.
Answering the call to serve his country, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in active duty from 1972 until 1975 in the 173rd Light Arctic Infantry Brigade as a qualified paratrooper. While enlisted, he graduated from the Primary Leadership Development Course of the United States Army NCO Academy. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
He was a proud member of the American Legion. Driven by a deep curiosity and a love for languages, he attended Youngstown State University, where he studied Spanish.
Rev. Ellis received his call to the gospel ministry in 1978. He preached his first sermon and became a licensed ordained minister serving under his dear father, the late Rev. C.L. Ellis, at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
His talent for preaching and public speaking was enjoyed by many. He had the ability to captivate an entire audience, as well as an innate gift for one-on-one connection. People were naturally drawn to his vibrant personality and authenticity. His ministry work led to pastoral opportunities at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Warren, as well as Kimmel Brook Baptist Church in Youngstown, where he formed deep bonds and maintained lifelong relationships with members and friends. While pastoring at Kimmel Brook Baptist Church, he launched We Care Ministries, featuring a weekly radio show that expanded his preaching and brought many souls to Christ. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth and scripture, he completed religious studies through the Moody Bible Institute and Grace Christian School of the Bible.
Rev. Ellis was immensely excited about recently joining Antioch Baptist Church, eagerly looking forward to serving in ministry alongside his baby brother, Pastor Ernest Ellis.
Rev. Charles F. Ellis dedicated his life to service, embodying the belief that every duty should be performed with excellence. Throughout his diverse career, he led by example in every role he held. He honorably served his community as a United States Postal Service mail carrier and a licensed security officer. He took immense pride in his work at Youngstown's Northside pool, where his impact extended far beyond his daily responsibilities. He would take the time to motivate and mentor the next generation of young leaders. His employment also included time as a licensed corrections officer and counselor, offering words of wisdom while being firm and fair. Most recently, he extended his commitment to public service within the Mahoning County Custodial Services Department.
With his strong work ethic, he also maintained an entrepreneurial spirit. He was a licensed life insurance agent. He also sold domestic and commercial cleaning products. Blending creativity with business, he launched "Mouthful of Gold," providing custom gold grillz in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He became one of the early pioneers of the craft serving a diverse clientele across the Mahoning and Trumbull County area.
Because Rev. Charles F. Ellis was a public servant long before ever running for office, his progression into local politics was a natural extension of his community heart. With the staunch support of family and friends, and with the late Josephine Hewlett serving as his campaign manager, he launched a successful campaign for 2nd Ward Councilman. After defeating the incumbent in the primary and winning a contested general election, he proudly and passionately served the people of the East Side of Youngstown from 1996 to 2000. Notably, he was deeply proud of his civic collaboration with the late Congressman James Traficant in naming the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Courthouse in downtown Youngstown.
Rev. Charles F. Ellis was a constant presence in local outreach, volunteering with local missions, organizing voter registration drives, and recently proudly advocating for the Ohio Lifeguard Academy, which was founded to expose inner-city youth to lifeguarding and diving careers. He was a constant supporter of the Arbor Day Foundation, St. Jude Foundation, Salesian Mission, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Above all, Rev. Charles F. Ellis took his greatest pride in his family. He was a dedicated father to his three children, Denise, Charles (Temple) and Dejuan, whom he shared with his former wife, Doris Mustifa Ellis. He served as the ultimate cheerleader for his loved ones, always showing up to support their dreams with unmatched enthusiasm as one of the loudest voices in the crowd.
He delighted in hosting family cookouts, waking up at dawn to grill every piece of meat himself and beaming with joy as everyone gathered to eat, laugh and connect. An avid sports fan, he passionately rooted for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. He also loved exploring a wide range of topics by watching documentary films.
He leaves to cherish his memory his three children, Denise, Charles (Temple) of Pickerington and DeJuan; five grandchildren, Kareem Ellis, Kayla Stokes, Charles Ellis Jr., Chandler Ellis and Cortland Ellis; two great-grandchildren, Jayqhawn and Jayda Kimbrough; three sisters, Willie Ruth (Darrell) Dixon, Jeanette Ellis and Bernice (Marshall) Moore; three brothers, Willie Louis Ellis, Amos (Aida) Ellis and Ernest (Vicki) Ellis; his special friend and caretaker, Felicia Bills, all of Youngstown; his aunt, Nancy Ruth Houston of Roanoke, Alabama; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and members of the community whose lives were touched by his presence.
Rev. Charles F. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Charlie L. and Dollie M. Ellis; his sister, Martha Ann Ellis Kitchen; and his great-niece, Tà Riya Marann Manley; along with other beloved family members who went before him.
Rev. Ellis' life had many chapters: he was a son, brother, cousin, husband, father, soldier, preacher, pastor, councilman, entrepreneur, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend. Each chapter shares a piece of his journey, but together they form a story of a dedicated public servant and faithful minister who led with love, built up others and deeply loved his family.
Rev. Charles F. Ellis' earthly journey is complete, but his legacy lives on through the wisdom he shared, the lives he touched, the community he built, and the family he loved.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown, OH 44507. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m.
Arrangements for Rev. Charles F. Ellis and his family were lovingly entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.
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