A Time To Be Born: Michael Derek Ellis, son of the late Rudolph Gibson and Annie Bell Ellis Merrell, was born in Albany, Georgia on February 11, 1970. Throughout the early years of his life, he was nurtured and cared for by his mother and loving bonus father, the late John Henry Merrell.

A Time To Learn: He received his early childhood and secondary education in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe Comprehensive High School in 1990. While at Monroe, Michael actively participated in various student activities and events.

A Time To Work: Having developed exceptional cooking skills at a young age, Michael began preparing mouth-watering cuisine in restaurants and cafeterias throughout the Southwest Georgia area. Although largely self-taught, he created bold and memorable flavors while employed at Morrison's Cafeteria, Pruitt Nursing Home, Jim and Nick's Barbeque, Barbeque King Restaurant, and Wynfield Park Health and Rehabilitation Center. A true "master" of his trade, Michael used food as a medium and was always searching for the next greatest flavors. He was notably known for his Brunswick Stew and Pork Pot. His deep passion for cooking undeniably matched his passion for life. Even after work, he could often be found in his kitchen preparing soulful dishes for family and friends to enjoy.

A Time To Live, Love and Laugh: Mike was a great guy who genuinely loved life; who owned the room with his personality, smile, and joy; who enjoyed the comradery of friends and the strong bonds of family togetherness. The words penned b the songwriter, "I did it my way." truly exemplifies his life—Mike definitely lived life HIS WAY! He loved deeply, laughed often, felt unbridled happiness, never met a stranger, was a great friend, and knew how to make everyone feel special. Although he did not have any biological children, his love and care for the children in his life was amazing. They all were beneficiaries of his generosity, compassion, kindness, awesome treats, guidance, and encouragement. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of his life.

A Time To Rest: Michael departed this earthly life on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. In addition to his three parents, he was preceded in death by his loving grandmother, Annie Pearl Ellis; and his sister, Janice Ellis.

A Time To Cherish: Loving and lasting memories will forever be cherished by his beloved fiancé, Prescilla Owens of Albany, GA; his siblings, Anthony Ellis, Gregory Ellis, Roosevelts Mariel, Curtis Mariel and Tammy Ellis all of Albany, GA; uncles and aunts, Aqeel Williams of New York, and Levance Ellis, Mary Ellis, Malinda Hicks, Mabel Adams, and Kimberly (Rufus) Ingram all of Albany, GA; nephews and nieces, Kawon Ellis of Florida, and Jarvis (Quantrisha) Ellis, Deangelos Ellis, Tyree Ellis, Patrecia Ellis, Angelea Ellis, and Ashanti Mariel all of Albany, GA, and Antoinette Ellis of Atlanta, GA; god-sister, Dale Evans Jones of Albany, GA; and a host of great nephews and nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.