Dixon “Dickie” Parlier Ellis Sr.
Aug. 10, 1944 – Mar. 19, 2020
Dixon “Dickie” Parlier Ellis Sr., 75, of Louisa passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2020, with his family by his side.
He was born in Louisa to the late Frederick Earl Ellis and Edith Elmyra Parlier Ellis. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick “Fred” Earl Ellis.
Dickie was married to Margaret “Peggy” Thompson Ellis on February 28, 1970. They were married for 50 years. Together they had two children, Jennifer Ellis Filer (Tom) and Dixon Parlier Ellis, Jr. (Jessica). He was affectionately known as Papaw to five grandchildren, Lauren and Lane Filer, Brenden, Owen and Sadie Ellis.
Dickie was proud to serve his country in the Army during the Vietnam War (1966-1967) and honorably discharged as a Bronze Star recipient. He was a successful second-generation owner of Louisa Auto Parts that was started by his father, Earl, in 1962. Dickie was also a long-standing member of Louisa Lions Club and Louisa United Methodist Church.
Dickie would like to thank the many doctors and nurses of Sentara Martha Jefferson who provided great care. He would especially like to thank his doctor and short-term friend, Dr. Alexander A. Schult, Pulmonologist.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Louisa United Methodist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 217, Louisa, VA 23093.
He was well loved by many and thought highly of his employees and customers, past and present, over the years.
Dickie no matter how busy the store was would always say how you doing, he was always there to help with parts no matter how big or small the job was that I would be working on. I will surely miss you Dickey.
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. God rest your soul.
Dickey,
Dickey was my first cousin and like a brother to me.
We grew up together in the Washington DC area and spent many summers together in Louisa, at our Uncle’s Farm. We have always stayed close and he will be missed by all.
Our prayers are with Peggy and her wonderful family.
Andy and Susan Ellis
Dickie
You have been a great cousin. I will miss you. Blessings on you and your family.
Perk & Cookie Ellis
My deepest sympathy goes out to Peggy, Jenny and Dixon.
I have very fond memories of him from church.
Prayers for the grandchildren as well.
Elaine Leake Maddox
I am so sorry to hear of Dickie’s passing. He was such an asset to the Community and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Dickie served his country, his community and certainly his customers. I will always appreciate the kindness he showed me over the years as a customer and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed and remembered by all that knew him.
Dixon,
Sadden to learn of Dickie’s passing. A wonderful person and a pleasure to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dickie and I were classmates at LCHS from the 6th grade until graduation in 1963. Dickie was a very honest and humble man who never felt the need to brag about himself. He always greeted you with a smile whenever he met you, whether you were coming or going. He was a true gentleman. He set the bar high for professionalism by the way he treated his customers and employees.
When asked to serve his country, he did so with honor and distinction. Truly an American hero. I feel honored to call Dickie my friend and Sharon and I send prayers to his family.
Peggy and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you . Dickie was one of the kindest people I ever knew. Such a friend to everyone. Never minded assisting someone even after hours or on weekends. He will be remembered as someone who never had an unkind word said about him. You and Dickie raised two wonderful children who share his kind personality. Peggy you have been a great friend to so many and we will never forget your thoughtfulness towards Papa when he was living. May God bless you and your family in the weeks and months to come. Ree and Joe
Peggy and family
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man and friend. I hold many memories of him working and hunting. He taught me so much and was always there for you. I will never forget him.
Peggy and family, we send our deepest sympathy to you all. Dickie was always a kind and caring person to us. I’m blessed my father got to be a part of his work family. I know he will be missed by many.
In 1973 I had just graduated from college but found myself without a job nor income. Whether there was pressure from my sister or father is uncertain, but Dick Ellis offered me employment in a field I knew nothing about, NAPA auto parts. Both Dick and Billie Towsey did their best to train this college kid on how to help customers who didn’t always know what they needed. I was quickly slotted to driving the delivery truck to all the rural repair shops around the county. That was a good fit for me and likely prevented me from running business away from Dick’s growing business! Although my time working there was short, Dick reinforced the basics of customer service and treating everyone who came in the store in a fair manner. I will always be grateful for the experience there and for having Dick as a welcoming brother in law. He will be missed.
Dickie was a very honest and kind man I had a lot of respect for. He would always smile and have something to say to me every time I was in his store. He will be greatly missed by myself and many others. My prayers go out to Peggy, Jenny, Dixon and his grandchildren. RIP Dickie.
May memories comfort you at this difficult time. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
I was really shocked to read the obituary today I got to know Dick and Peggy when I built an addition on their house in about 1976. It was one of my first jobs. i think they knew that but they trusted me and were great to work for, not least because they both had such a sense of humor. I’m grateful to have known him and will forever miss walking into the store to be greeted with his smile.
I am saddened to learn of Dickie’s passing. I viewed him as a friend and will long remember his positive and can do attitude in helping me with a project I was working on. Always a pleasure to visit him and ask for help. He was always helpful and had a strong and positive attitude. I will miss him and our friendship.
May our Heavenly Father bless his Spirit and Family.
Respectfully,
Jack Speer
How sad I was to learn of Dickie’s death. Peggy and Dickie were a wonderful couple who both gave of themselves to their community. I grew up with Dickie and his family (as well as Peggy and her family) in our community and church. My former, late husband, Harry, was very close to Dickie, and we visited their family on weekends when we were in Louisa. I have been away from Virginia for several years, following our retirement and move to coastal North Carolina in 2014. My husband, Wayne, and son, Ryan of Charlottesville, VA, as well as I send our love and sympathy to Peggy and her family. Hopefully we will see you again if we visit Louisa in 2020.
Bettie Snider Martin, Wayne Martin and son, Ryan
I have been a customer of Louisa Auto Parts and known Dickie for 29 years. It is with great sadness that I recently heard of his passing.
Dickie was always very friendly and professional.and made me feel like I was doing business with a friend and not just a supplier. Dickie would always thank me for my custom when I was leaving the store which was a personal touch that is missing so often nowadays.
My thoughts are with Dickie’s family at this sad time. If it’s one consolation there is going to be a great parts guy in Heaven now to help keep the chariots running!
Dixie resembled a Teddy Bear. Always asking asking about your day and nice to have around. My condolences to his family and friends. I know, he will be missed by all the Louisa County Lions Club members.
To Dickie family,
Sorry for your lost and God bless you all he was great man.
Dickie will be missed by all who knew him.He loved his country
And served his nation with honor only 2 percent of use have.. So Dickie
Thank you for your service.He was a par bearer when my dad died
In 1992 Robert E Rosson .My family thanks you for being a good
Friend to all my family you will be greatly missed.
Your friend
Larry Rosson
Peggy, Dixon, and Jenny, It is with heavy heart that I think of Dickie. Of all the many great people who call, and have called, Louisa County home, Dickie was always one who stood out for his kindness, ready smile and willing to help at all times. Over the past 55+ years I have the privilege to share some of Dickie’s time with special thoughts of Andy’s wedding in the early 1970’s. We have had many conversations as I enjoyed his laughter and thoughts. He will be missed by more than can be counted, and I for one. Deborah and I extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Peggy, you and your family are in our prayers. Rest assured that God gives the strength, courage and wisdom to get through difficult times.
I remember the when Earl was starting his auto parts business. He would drive around the area to make sales calls at auto repair shops. He would stop by Daddy’s garage frequently. Daddy liked to deal with both Earl and Dickie. He could always count on timely delivery of the parts he needed. They were both fine people. Dickie and I grew up together, he was a year behind me in school. Although Kay and I left Louisa after high school, I was still able to see Dickie occasionally when we were visiting there. I’m certain he will be missed by many.
.
God bless,
Bob and Kay Martin
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a great man. Randy and I just found out about it. Much love and prayers sent to his family. God bless.
Thoughts & prayers from our family to yours. God bless. Tommy & Gloria nelson and family. (He was a great football player also)