William "Bill" Ellis

William “Bill” Ellis, 79, of Temple, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by family after a long illness.

Bill was born on September 27, 1946, in Flushing, New York to the late Raymond Herbert Ellis and Mary Olin Spolasco Ellis. He grew up in Merrick on Long Island, enjoying a long list of hobbies and adventures, including offshore and inshore fishing on his father’s boat, clamming, photography, and his lifelong passion for motorcycles. 

He loved attending races and rallies.Bill proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal. After his military service, he earned a degree in civil engineering and worked on Long Island before later moving to Temple, New Hampshire and continuing his profession in Civil engineering.Throughout his life, Bill continued to enjoy wildlife and animals, sharing his home with many Welsh Corgis over the years and an English Setter as the first family dog. He also loved metal detecting, fishing, gardening, traveling, and collecting rocks and minerals. His passion for rock and mineral collecting took him throughout the East from Maine to Florida and Midwest in search of award-winning quality specimens. During retirement, Bill especially enjoyed traveling the country in his Airstream with his wife and their corgis. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Ellis; his son Glenn Ellis, daughter-in-law Patricia Ellis, and grandson Liam Ellis of Merrimack; and his brother Mark Ellis and sister-in-law June Ellis of St. Petersburg.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Robert Ellis, and his sister, Sandra Ellis Greenwell.  Bill will be remembered for his love of family, the roads he traveled, and his steady, thoughtful nature. He never rushed his words, and what he shared was always sincere and worth hearing.

SERVICES:  Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the St. Patrick Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH.  Burial will be in the Miller Cemetery, Temple, NH for the family privately.