Duane Ellis

Duane Ellis, 67, left this world peacefully on Sunday, July 20th , 2025 surrounded by family at the Tucker Hospice House.

Duane was born in 1957 in Charlotte, NC, the son of Edgar Ellis and Pearl “Gaynelle” Davidson Ellis. He grew up in Charlotte and later moved to Kannapolis, where he enjoyed spending time with his sister, cousins, and many childhood friends, and graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High School in 1975. As a young man, he spent several years working at Cannon Mills and then alongside his dad at Ellis Electronics. He then later shifted his strong work ethic into the building industry, a career that spanned over 30 years in both sales and home design.

In 1981, he married his forever person, Lesa, and they welcomed their daughter, Heather, in 1983. As a devoted husband and father, he enjoyed planning everything from family beach trips to meals he cooked for his girls on the outdoor griddle. In addition to camping trips and playing SkeeBall/putt putt at the beach, he also had a love for John Wayne, the film “Grease”, and wearing Hawaiian shirts. Duane will be missed by many, not just for his sense of humor and smile, but also for his willingness to help others.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ed, and mother-in-law, Judy. His mother, Pearl, passed away shortly after and is now also at rest. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Lesa; daughter, Heather; sister, Danita Conklin (Marty); father-in-law, Kenneth; sister-in-law, Rhonda Lee (Danny); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Atrium Health Cabarrus and the staff of the Tucker Hospice House for their compassionate care.

A visitation will be held Saturday, August 9th , at Lady’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis from 12:30-1:45pm. The Celebration of Life service will be held at Lady’s immediately after at 2:00pm. The family invites those attending the visitation to wear his favorite color, blue, or a Hawaiian shirt to honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Tucker Hospice House, 5005 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC, 28081.