Nat Bowe Ellis was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Wallace Gillespie Ellis and Ruth Bowe Ellis. The sixth of seven children, Nat grew up in Capleville, Tennessee. He attended Memphis University School, graduating in 1962 and Millsaps College, graduating in 1966. He then joined the newly formed Peace Corps, teaching at Bauchi Girls’ Secondary School in Nigeria from 1966 to 1969. Upon return to the US, he received his Masters of Arts in History at Memphis State University in 1972.
In the mid-1970s, Nat met and married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Louise Ringger Winkelmann while working at the Internal Revenue Service. He then became (step)father to four children – Eddie, Julie, Susie, and Rosie.
Nat was a great listener and had a quiet sense of humor. He was wicked good at Trivia and Jeopardy. Nat was a friend with a quiet presence, comforting to all. He dearly loved his family, friends, and especially, his 10 grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Nat died peacefully on March 2, 2024, at the age of 79. He is predeceased in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia Ringger Winkelmann Ellis; their son, Eddie Winkelmann; sisters, Dr. Helen Ellis and Cassandra Henson, and brothers-in-law, Dr. Milt Arter, Jim Fields, and Steve Taylor. He is survived by his three daughters and ten grandchildren: daughter Dr. Julie (Paul), Wes Jeter of Knoxville and Emma (Luke) McCarty of Chicago; daughter Dr. Susie (Jeff), John, Maddie, Elle, and Will Weatherall of Kingsport; and daughter Rosie (Terry), Cooper, Carter, Cole, and Cate Turner of Knoxville. Also surviving him are his siblings, Mary Martha Arter, Dr. Bill Ellis (Harriet), Gwyn Fields, and Morgan Caer-Myrddin, and his brother-in-laws, Jim Henson and Bill Ringger (Sue), many nieces and nephews, as well as numerous family and friends.
There will be a small remembrance during the interment at Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103 on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 11:15a.m.
A celebration of life event remembering both Nat and Pat Ellis is planned for the
second weekend in July in Knoxville, TN. Memorials and remembrances can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremation
optionsinc.com.
