Michael "Hoot" Ellis, 66, of Spruce Pine, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 in the Mission Hospital , Asheville , NC . He was the son of the late Harry Lee and Ruby Hughes Ellis. Michael was a member of Pine Branch Baptist Church where he was a former Sunday School teacher and deacon. He graduated from Bowman High School and attended Appalachian State College and was also a veteran of the US Coast Guard.

Michael is survived by his wife, Sammie Vance Ellis; son, Jeff Ellis and wife Heidi of Deep Gap, NC; daughter, Jennifer Ellis Robinson and husband Scott of West Jefferson, NC; grandchildren: Lauren Robinson, Lindsey Robinson, Bailey Ellis and Sam Ellis; special brother in law, John M Vance; special sister in law, Cathy Beam.

Michael was an avid golfer, loved sports, especially the Washington Redskins, but most of all he loved and enjoyed his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 6:00 pm Monday, April 27, 2015 in the Pine Branch Baptist Church with Steve Williams and Randy Bonner officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors .