Ellis Elmer Aldridge died peacefully while accompanied by his loved ones on December 20, 2022 in Denton, TX at the age of 79, one week prior to his 80th birthday. Ellis remained both unique as a person and authentic in persona until his last breath. He was and will remain, deeply loved.
Ellis was born on December 27, 1942 on the Knighton Farm in Stamps, Arkansas to Elmer and Erma Aldridge. While he was formally educated through grade school, and attended business college, Ellis would tell you that most of his real learning came from his time on the road and life experience. He was a man of true grit, honesty, integrity, and he remained that way throughout his entire life. A handshake was his code of honor. This code would follow him throughout his time as a cattleman, rancher, hat maker, and most importantly, a father and friend. He could be described as a true jack of all trades because he was never a man of just one job.
He spent his early years working for the railroad and then settled in Fort Worth, Texas where he worked for and then purchased Coker's Western Hatters on Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. Ellis was a renowned hatter. He founded and was the first President of HAT (Hatters Association of Texas). In his later life he split his time between Arkansas and Alpine, Texas. Alpine was where he resided most and that was also where he lived for many years with the love of his life, Barbara McWha. They spent the last 25 years building a beautiful life that he was fond to talk on.
Ellis knew no greater love than the love he had for his family; his love was truly unparalleled. His children were his greatest accomplishment, and he took pride in telling anyone who would listen of their great achievements in life. He will be greatly missed by all who had the fortune to cross his path. His legacy will be honored through the telling of Ellis's tales for years to come.
Ellis is survived by his mother, Erma Knighton Aldridge of Waldo Arkansas, his brothers Albert and Robert Joe Aldridge, his sister Mary Strange and husband, RB, his two children Chandra White and husband, John, of Mt. Vernon Texas, Anthony Aldridge and wife, Erzséke, of Fort Worth Texas, and his grandchildren, Carley Wise, Avery Caffee, Jake Caffee, and Violet Aldridge, and his great grandchildren Caidence and Axl. He is preceded in death by his father Elmer Aldridge of Waldo Arkansas.
A funeral is scheduled for December, 27, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, AR. Visitation will begin at 12pm and chapel service at 2 pm. Committal to follow at Mt. Vernon Church in Waldo, AR. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ellis's life.