Rowland Teval Ellis, Jr. Obituary (1956 - 2021)

Rowland Teval Ellis, Jr. age 65 was born on February 2, 1956 in Highland Park, Michigan and died in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 29, 2021. He was a graduate of Allen Park High School in Allen Park, Michigan in 1975. Later moving to Oklahoma and remaining in Tulsa until his death. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 627, AFL-CIO. His proudest job was working at the iconic Philtower building in Tulsa. Rowland was an avid radio listener. Music record albums and retro 8 tracks were a big part of his life. His music interests varied from Bob Wills to CCR, Madonna, Bob Seger, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Charlie Daniels, etc. Rowland attended many Tulsa State Fair concerts with his sister Julie. He prided his 1979 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Motorcycle. He also gave family members and friends rides too. Rowland owned a 1955 Chevy Stake Truck and he was even spotted going through Georgia by friends from Allen Park, Michigan going down the highway. He was a member of the Church of Christ and a supporter of the Republican Party. Rowland's favorite movies were Eldorado and True Grit. His favorite actors were John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and Tom Hanks. During his childhood he worked for his parents in their family businesses of State Pest Control and AA Arbor Tree Service. Rowland had many skills; tractors, auto mechanics, electricity, stocks and trading, banking knowledge, motorcycles, hunting and fishing, boating. He also pleasured in gardening and grocery shopping. He was preceded in death by his parents Rowland Teval Ellis and Alma Rebecca (Young) Ellis. He is survived by two sisters Nancy Kim Ellis of Pontiac, Michigan and Julie Camille Allami of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Two nieces Lena Elizabeth Ellis and Alicia Joy Lloyd and one nephew Vincent Anthony Ellis and 5 great nephews. Rowland was a 5th generation descendant of Thomas J. Ellis. Mr Thomas J. Ellis founded the town of Ocheleta, Oklahoma before Oklahoma statehood. Rowland will be interred on the "exact" hill now known as "Cemetery Hill" where Mr. Ellis stood and founded the town. Rowland will be greatly missed by all.