March 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 40 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE WILLIAM ``BILLY'' ELLIS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life 
of George William ``Billy'' Ellis, .former Chief of the Vienna 
Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Ellis recently passed away at the age 
of 81 following a brief illness, surrounded by his friends and loved 
ones.
  My congressional district includes the town of Vienna, Virginia, a 
vibrant and active community of 16,000 residents. In 2013, Money 
Magazine ranked it the third best place to live in the nation. If you 
were to ask the residents of Vienna, they would unanimously say that it 
should have taken first place.
  There are many reasons why residents of Vienna take such pride in 
their town-the annual town festivals and concerts, the incredible 
Vienna Youth sports program, the outstanding schools and services, and 
even a local restaurant that serves the best chili dogs. Perhaps the 
most important reasons are the community spirit that is so prevalent, 
and the willingness of the residents to work together for the 
betterment of all. This of course includes the men and women who 
protect the town as members of law enforcement and the Vienna Volunteer 
Fire Department.
  Chief Ellis joined the Vienna Volunteer Department at the age of 18. 
For more than 50 years, he epitomized the spirit of volunteerism, 
devoting his time and energy to serving his community. In 1980, he 
became the chief of the department, a position he held until 2001 when 
he and his wife, Joan, decided to move to Culpepper County where he 
lived up until his passing. But even a move to a quieter community 
couldn't keep Chief Ellis away from a fire station. Following the move, 
he quickly joined the Salem Volunteer Fire Department and spent many 
more years driving apparatus to emergencies. Serving others was in his 
DNA.
  Chief Ellis was preceded in death by a son, Charles. He leaves behind 
a wife of 58 years, Joan Scott Ellis, his sons David (Jennifer) and 
Robert (Lori), his daughter Jennifer, and his four grandchildren, 
Alison, Jacob, Ashley and Hunter. He also leaves behind an incredible 
legacy of charity, commitment and dedication in a community that will 
be indebted to this great man for years to come.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the 
selfless dedication and commitment to serve of Chief George William 
``Billy'' Ellis, and in extending my deepest condolences to his family. 
May you rest in peace, Chief Ellis.

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