Sterling James Ellison

Sterling James Ellison, Jr., 76, of Abilene, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012, at his home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at Beltway Park Baptist Church. David McQueen and Randy Turner will officiate. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Sterling was born April 26, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Sterling James Ellison, Sr. and Ada Gray (Walker) Ellison. After graduation from Albert G. Parrish High School in Selmar, Alabama, Sterling served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1962 he moved from California to Abilene to attend Hardin-Simmons University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Sterling married Sharon Lee Hogan on May 7, 1976 in Abilene. He was a teacher for the Abilene Independent School District for seven years and retired as a Program Manager for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. He also retired after 22 years as music minister for Ridgemont Baptist Church. Sterling was currently a member of Beltway Park Baptist Church, Big Country Emmaus and Gideon's International. He was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and a cousin. Sterling is survived by his wife, Sharon Ellison, of Abilene; three sons, David Bontke of Abilene; Patrick Bontke and wife Jessica of Blairsville, PA, Tate Ellison and wife Abbye of Clyde; one brother, Russell Ellison and wife Beverly of Abilene; one uncle, Richard Ellison and wife Dolores of Yucaipa, CA; one aunt, Rachel Chaffee and husband Glen of El Cajon, CA; two cousins, Ron Eubanks and Maida Persons, both of Alabama; and four grandchildren, Truett, Liam and Sophye Ellison, of Clyde, and Payton Bontke, of Blairsville, PA; as well as niece, Tabatha Bales, her husband Jeremy, and their children, Bryson & Briana of Round Rock. Memorials may be made in honor of Sterling Ellison to Beltway Park "Generations Building Fund" or "Missions Fund" 4009 Beltway South, Abilene, Texas 79606; or to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.