Leo Ellison

Quintessential family man, beloved teacher, and honored coach Leo Ellison died on Saturday, March 21st 2015 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ""Coach"" as he was known to his many generations of Wake Forest swimmers and university colleagues, was born on November 19, 1930 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Susan Elizabeth Hallberg and Leo Ellison Senior. It was here at 17 where he met his soul-mate and life partner of 63 years Betty Goyne who he married in July 1951. After briefly serving in the Air Force, in 1957 he accepted a position on the faculty and as swimming coach at the newly relocated Wake Forest College in Winston-Salem, and it was here for nearly 50 years that his coaching and teaching shaped the minds and character of all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His prowess as a coach gained him international recognition resulting in coaching invitations in both Egypt and Mexico. He cherished his role as grandfather to grandsons Christopher and Michael, leading many family trips to the North Carolina Outer Banks, the Smokey Mountains, and Disneyworld. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Camille Wall, and is survived by his wife Betty, his son Robert Leo Ellison, his daughter Carol Ellison Drusdow (Mark) and his two grandchildren Christopher and Michael. A celebration of Leo's life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday March 28th at Wake Forest Baptist Church where he and Betty claimed membership for over 50 years and he served as a deacon. Private interment will be at Forsyth Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Online condolences can be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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