William Henry Ellis, 89, of Round Rock, TX, passed peacefully on the morning of May 11, 2024, fulfilling his goal of leaving the world a better place than he found it.

Entering the world on October 23, 1934, he was the youngest of three sons born to Eugene & Eleanor Ellis of Watertown, MA. Named after a beloved uncle William, he was known as Henry (or "Hank" to some) to family and friends. Graduating from Watertown High School in 1953 as an aspiring artist, he later joined the U.S. Army, where he developed his love for motorcycles. Visiting an old friend while on leave, he was enticed to join a group for a night of bowling and met the love of his life, Mildred Atwood. The two were married on January 23, 1960, settling down in Watertown before later moving to Bedford, MA, where they raised three children: Bill Ellis, now of Stephenville, TX; Cyndi Ellis, now of Round Rock, TX; and Gordon Ellis, now of Waltham, MA.

For the next 35 years he made his living as a model maker, working for Madewell, F.W. Dixon, United Engineers (Raytheon), and General Electric, building large scale models of various architectural and engineering projects that were crucial in helping builders navigate the transition from design to construction. Following a long family line of designers and builders, he became a skilled carpenter whose talents were frequently sought after in the Bedford area and beyond. He worked restoring numerous homes and historical buildings and was often engaged by local contractors for special projects that required "that special Hank touch". Of his woodworking prowess it was once said, "you ask that guy to make you a simple handrail and he brings you back something that belongs in a palace".

Among his creations were a child-sized kitchen set (counter top w/ sink, stove, and fridge) for his daughter Cyndi, a giant toybox made to look like a train caboose for his son Gordon, and a full scale manger for the First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, who used it for a live action nativity scene on the church's front lawn every Christmas Eve. He was also an avid collector of model trains and a fan of antique and vintage automobiles, rarely coming up short in a game of "name the make, model, and year based solely on the grill". He shared this passion with his eldest son Bill whom he assisted with the restoration of several vintage Ford Mustangs.

In 1998 he and Millie retired to Dripping Springs, TX, where Henry set about designing and building his dream retirement home and spending time with his six grandchildren (including a grandson named in his honor) and seven great grandchildren. His reputation as a craftsman followed him to Texas and he devoted much of his time to doing charity work with the likes of Habit For Humanity and spent a spell in Mexico building homes for the less fortunate. A hard-working and gentle soul, he spent most of his "spare" time working in his woodshop or garden.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife Millie in June of 2023, Henry now joins her, no doubt building magical new creations in a place without limits.

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