Mr. Robert Lee Ellington

May 10, 1939 - July 16, 2016

Robert Lee Ellington, SGM, US Army, Retired, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016. A son of the late Wiley E. and Bertha Elizabeth Baker Ellington, he was born May 10, 1939, in Raymondville, Texas. He faithfully served over 27 years in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. During his tenure in the Army, he visited 57 countries and received many medals for his service. He was a true American, putting God first, then country. Following his retirement from the US Army, he was employed with the Federal Aviation Administration in Tallahassee for 16 years. He was a member of the American Legion, and enjoyed restoring cars and trucks and gardening. He also loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gerldene Tate Ellington; daughters, Judy (Brian) Morris, Robin (Scott) Songer; grandchildren, Lisa (Mitchell) Mims, Amy Sampson, Matthew Sampson, Patrick Morris, Paul (Mallory) Morris, Lauren (Benjamin) Lazar, Allie Songer and Jennifer Songer; great-grandchildren, Bryson Mims, Thomas Morris, Mason Whitlow, Luka Lazar and Kenley Songer; and sisters and brother, Bessie Ralston, Nancy Shilling and Willie Ellington. He was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Abbey Funeral Home, with the funeral following at 2:00 PM. Interment, with military honors, will be at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lighthouse Children’s Home, 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32309. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.