Bill Ellison

Billy Eugene “Bill” Ellison, son of the late James and DeLois “Lois Ann” (Britt) Ellison, was born August 2, 1962, in West Plains, Missouri. He began his new life on November 9, 2025, at his home in Cabool, Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was 63 years, 3 months, and 7 days of age.

Bill was first married to Tammy Lawler in February of 1986. Two children were born to this union: Billy and Ashley. Bill met Sharon “Shari” Visser in 1992, the night he became a quadriplegic. They were married in July of 1996. Through this union, Bill gained a daughter, Angela “Angi.”

Bill grew up mainly in West Plains but his family had gypsy hearts and traveled between Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama before finally settling in Cabool, Missouri. He had made his living as a carpenter until becoming a quadriplegic. In 1998, Bill earned his GED and then in 2003, he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He learned more hobbies and was never left behind, such as road trips, going to the creeks, camping, floating, and working on carnivals.

Bill loved an enjoyed the Native American powwows and learning about their culture. His largest interest was studying genealogy. It became a number one thing for him and Shari to be called “family record keepers” from their researching and compiling data for the family tree. Bill’s greatest joy in life was spending time talking, visiting, and making memories with his family. He loved the family reunions so much because of being able to see all of his “most favorite cousins.”

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Doris Weeks; two brothers, Jim and Darell Ellison; one grandson, Anthony Mulvey; and many more greatly missed family members.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon Ellison of the home; his sister, Ruth Ann Weatherston of Bucyrus, Missouri; his son, Billy Ellison and favorite daughter-in-law, Mariam Saleh of Cabool, Missouri; two daughters, Ashley Ellison of Girard, Kansas, and Angela Benjamin and husband, Clint, of Fort Scott, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Harley, John, Devin, Amelia, Hailey, Eithan, and Alexis; one great-grandson, Nicolan; one soon to be great-granddaughter, Angria; and so many more family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory and miss him greatly.

Bill said to tell you all he, “loves you” and, “good luck with Shari, you’re gonna need it!”

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements for cremation were made under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.