Frank Edward Ellis, 69

Frank Edward Ellis, age 69, of Swainsboro, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026, after a brief illness. Funeral services were held Monday August 17, at 12 p.m. in the Peebles Curry Memorial Chapel with Reverend Mark Sweat officiating. Family received friends from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment followed in New Hope Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers were David Brantley, Kenny Copeland, Thomas Henry, Michael Hooks, Ricky Hooks, and Tony Way.

Frank was born May 24, 1957, in Louisiana, to George and Donna Ellis. He was raised in Emanuel County, where he was a proud alumnus of the Swainsboro High School Class of 1975. Frank was a standout athlete, excelling in multiple sports but especially football. He was a notable quarterback and defensive end, earning the 1975 GACA North/South Game Defensive MVP.

Frank began his career with Coca-Cola in the late 1970s, where he worked until 1994. He then made a career change to the world of agriculture. Frank became a cornerstone among the local farmers, selling crop protection products and fertilizer and providing his expertise along with a memorable story or joke. He had a true passion for agriculture in his local community and surrounding counties. Frank also wanted to ensure he was an active influence in the education system in which his three children grew up.

Frank served Emanuel County as a member of the Board of Education for 22 years, serving as chairman from 2013 to 2018. He loved the outdoors, grilling, fishing, and Georgia football. A proud fixture of the Nunez community, most days he could be found sitting on his screened porch or at Hooks Grocery. Frank’s true love was his three children and grandchildren. He taught his children the importance of not taking life too seriously, that hard work is something ingrained rather than taught, the value of surrounding yourself with a supportive community, that there’s no situation in which a joke can’t be made, and that coleslaw does, in fact, go with everything. Frank will be remembered most fondly for his quick wit and unconventional sense of humor. Mr. Hooks is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jessica Ellis Hosmer.

Survivors include his three children, Laura (Mac) McElveen of Augusta, Anna (Grant) Bostwick of Statesboro, and Jacob (Jackie) Ellis of St. Mary’s; grandchildren, Justant and Frances Bostwick and George McElveen, with Ellis McElveen and Mary Ann Ellis arriving later this year; sister, Dawn (Nolan) Kittrell of Lizella; special cousin, Jeff Ellis of Waycross; nephews and other extended family members.

Durden Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.