Bryant Jarman Ellis

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived

Bryant Jarman “BJ” Ellis, Jr. a native of West Helena, Arkansas, and long-time resident of Asheville, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025 at the age of 93.

BJ’s life was made up of many chapters, each one shaped by courage, kindness, and an open heart. He was a proud paratrooper soldier, a dedicated University of Tennessee graduate, and a content bachelor—until the day everything changed. One afternoon, a sandy-blond waitress with a brilliant smile took his lunch order, and BJ’s world shifted. Tommie found herself thinking about that handsome young man long after he left the table. She said yes to a first date, and from that moment forward, their love story began to unfold.

BJ soon met her two children. Eleven-year-old Danny took to him immediately, and shy little Gay smiled sweetly while staying tucked close to her mother. What began as a small family grew into a beautiful one—playing together, traveling and fishing together, worshipping together. With every passing year, BJ became the steady, loving protector of the people he cherished most.

As time went on, the number of those he loved continued to grow, expanding into four grandchildren and their spouses. The loss of his granddaughter, Elisha Kay Mayberry Giesey in 2015 brought deep heartache, but he carried her memory close for the rest of his days.

BJ often said he was blessed, and he lived every moment as proof of it. His faith was the foundation of his life. He read the Bible daily with his wife and children, prayed over each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild, and lived his faith not by words alone, but by the quiet, consistent love he gave so freely.

There is no doubt that when BJ reached the Golden Gates, the Lord welcomed him with open arms. Those he loved and lost danced with joy at his arrival, and waiting for him—just as she always had—was his beloved Tommie, ready to take his hand and dance with him once again as they did on earth.

Welcoming BJ Home are his wife, Tommie Ellis and his granddaughter, Elisha K. Giesey.

Continuing his legacy here on earth are his son, Danny L. Mayberry and wife, Jean Ann; his daughter, Enola Gay Briggs and husband, Ricky; grandchildren: Danny David Mayberry and wife Crissy, Robert R. Mayberry and wife Alisa, and Michele Briggs Woody and husband Jason; 13 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service to honor and remember the life of Mr. Ellis will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pastor Allen Rash of Trinity Baptist Church will be officiating.

The care of Mr. Ellis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home at Forest Lawn.