Robert Ellard

Robert Miller Ellard, 89, of Clarksdale, MS, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Tishomingo Community Living Center - Iuka, MS. He was born in Houston, MS on May 14, 1927 to the late John Allen and Kitty Claire Miller Ellard. As a veteran of the US Navy during World War II, Dr. Ellard understood the true meaning of service, and he dedicated his life in giving to others. After serving his country, he served his local community for forty-two years as a coach and principal, then as the superintendent of education in the Clarksdale Public School system for twenty years from where he retired. Dr. Ellard was a member for over fifty years of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Clarksdale, MS. He also was a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Clarksdale Public Library and the Mississippi Retired Teachers Association where he served as president. Dr. Ellard was an active member of both the CARE station and the American Legion, as well as the Lion’s Club, where he received the Lions Fellow Award. His love for his fellow man caused him to give over one hundred gallons of his blood to offer life-saving aid to those in need. He was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan and enjoyed playing baseball during his time there from 1946-50. His love for sports was reflected in his coaching of the Clarksdale Little League baseball. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. People were his passion, and he lived out his belief that knowledge was the best thing he could give them. While Dr. Ellard may have gone on, the countless lives he enriched speak to his influence and passion for education; he believed all of his students were his "kids" and nothing made him happier than their success. He will be forever remembered in the hearts of his family and friends. Visitation is scheduled for 9 am -11 am, Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church - Clarksdale. MS. A celebration of Dr. Ellard's life will be held at 11 am Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church - Clarksdale, MS officiated by Rev. John Garrett and Rev. Andy Ray. Eulogy will be offered by Dave Jennings. Interment will follow in Drew Cemetery - Drew, MS. Pallbearers include Dr. Miller Jennings, Scott Lipsey, Jimmy Hatchett, Richard Pearsall, Doug Pearsall, and David Pearsall. Magnolia Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Those left to honor Robert's memory include his daughters: Connie Jennings and husband Dave of Corinth, MS and Kitty Henry of Starkville, MS; his grandchildren: Dr. Miller Jennings and wife Elizabeth of Birmingham, AL, Kathleen Henry and husband Stephen Hancock of Tulsa, OK, and Rachel Lee Henry of Baytown, TX; his twin sister: Dorothy Aycock of Birmingham, AL; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years: Jean Manning Ellard, his brother: John Allen Ellard, and his sister Mae Catherine Pearsall. Online condolences may be expressed at magnoliafuneralhome.net.