Jeffery Kenneth Ellington , 71, of Center, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Mr. Ellington was born May 26, 1948, in Center, to T.O. Ellington Sr. and Alma Lovett Ellington.  He loved history and served as a teacher and football coach from 1971-1978.  Beginning in 1984, he served as City Manager in Center, then went on to serve in Bridge City, Overton, Jacksonville, and Gilmer until his retirement in 2016. He was a member of Sam Houston Masonic Lodge #32 in Shelbyville.  Mr. Ellington was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Ellington; sons, Jeffery Ellington and wife Bobbi and Chris Ellington and wife Emily; grandchildren, Kwayde, Kamden, and Kasen Lucas, Chasity and Isabel Ellington, and Sophie, Topher, and Liam Ellington; great grandchild, Rhemy Fountain; brother, Tommy Ellington and wife Karen; sister, Connie Morrison and husband Tem; nephews, Joey Williams and wife Shea and Trey Ellington; niece, Victoria Ellington; great nephew and nieces, Braylon, Briley, and Brynlie Williams; and special friend, Linda Ballard.

He is preceded in death by his parents, T.O. Ellington Sr. and Alma Lovett Ellington.