Ellis Honored With Awards

For the first time in history, a Van Zandt County resident from Wills Point was awarded the Distinguished Veteran Award Saturday, November 11, at the White Rose Cemetery Veterans Day Service.

Korean War veteran and retired United States Marine Corps Sergeant Glynn Ellis, felt honored by the presentation, made by retired Sergeant Major Jerome L. Pionk, who currently serves at the Pentagon as the Chief of the Recruiting Incentives Branch in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel.

The Distinguished Veteran Award is given for distinguished service to the men and women of the armed forces of the United States.

Ellis’ plaque also read, "Your contributions have made a difference."

Retired Army Sergeant Major William Groce of Canton, also nominated Ellis for Veteran of the Year, which was awarded to him by VFW Post 7837 and the American Legion Post 303.

"I recognize Glynn for all he’s done in military service and all he does now, that people don’t see…what he does behind the scenes," explained Groce.

He continued, "In just about anything going on around town, you can bet Glynn is involved in it somehow."

Amazed by the title, Ellis said, "I didn’t know this was going to happen. It’s a surprise to me."

Van Zandt County Veterans Service Officer Dorothy Barnes, said "I’m so glad he got that award. He really deserved it, with all he’s done."

Born in Edgewood, Ellis attended Edgewood High School, then Henderson Junior College. He joined the Marine Corps when hostilities broke out in Korea. Ellis was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, four Battle Stars, and five Campaign Ribbons.

After his return home, he attended East Texas University, and graduated in 1956 with a BBA and a minor in economics. Eventually, he founded the Fairway Shoe Company and other enterprises in Wills Point.