Bryson James Ellis

Bryson James Ellis, 17, died Wednesday February 27, 2019 in Decatur, Georgia. Bryce, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 21, 2001, though his family’s journey to find him started long before his birth and adoption. He was held by his mother only hours after birth and then brought to Lawrenceville, where he lived until age 12. His family moved to Decatur, where he began to truly flourish into the beautiful young man he was. He was a loving son to his parents, Georgia and Alan, whose worlds revolved around him. He was a wonderful brother to his sister and brother-in-law, Miranda and Leon, and an amazing uncle to his nephew, Aster, who was absolutely crazy about him. As many friends, neighbors, and family members can confess, he sure had a way with children. His friends meant everything to Bryce, and he was a pillar of strength for them when they were in need, never turning away from a hard conversation or situation. He also knew how to laugh, sharing his mile-wide smile and contagious laugh freely and with warmth. The memories of these happy moments, and there are many, are carrying us through this tremendous loss. Bryce was a lover of music, mostly old country and rock that had lots of guitar, but he was learning to branch out to the softer side of alternative music with the help of his girlfriend, Chloe. He lived for motorcycle rides with his dad, researching old cars, and having long conversations about life. He was looking forward to exploring this great big country and its wonders with his friends over the summer. He was especially eager to visit his place of birth and to meet his birth mother for the first time. Bryce had a wide-open and extremely bright future before him, including a scholarship offer to attend LSU in the fall. He was very active in his church, Decatur Presbyterian, and he had a heart and passion for service. He held leadership positions in the JROTC Battalion at Decatur High School, in Raiders, Drill, and the Color Guard, and he took great pride in the Battalion. He made sure to pause and appreciate the often overlooked parts of life, and never missed the chance to encourage this in others. We should all seek to continue to do this in honor of his memory.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Decatur Presbyterian Church at 5:00 PM. There will be a visitation with family and friends after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help create a Raider’s Practice Park in his honor or to https://decatureducationfoundation.org/bryce-ellis-memorial-fund/