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ANNISTON – Major Ralph Kimberly “Kim” Ellison, Retired, age 77, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 21, 2025 while busy working, as was always his way. Born in Asheville, NC on December 29, 1947, he was the son of the late David Kimberly Ellison and Agnes Charlotte Gentry Ellison. Kim proudly served in the US Army for nearly 30 years. He began his military career as an enlisted soldier, before joining the National Guard and ultimately completing Officer Candidate School and earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Jacksonville State University. He became a commissioned officer and earned Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault distinction. He completed many stateside and overseas tours of duty and served many roles throughout his decorated military career including United Nations Peacekeeper in Cambodia; Drug Task Force in Columbia; Military Policy Commander and Instructor, and tours in Germany and Italy. Kim completed his military service at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. After retirement, he continued to serve his country in the civil service working as a contract specialist with the Defense National Stockpile Center in Ft. Belvoir, VA. Kim was first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ and a fiercely loyal and committed family man. He was a lifelong patriot, an avid outdoorsman and hunter, an expert marksman, a confident and assured negotiator, a self-taught carpenter, farmer, electrician, mechanic, and landscaper. He was a true renaissance man in every sense of the word. Kim was a selfless man, and true to his lifelong service to others, he was a proud organ donor and chose to provide life to others even in his death. He is survived by his wife of 55 wonderful years, Vickey Lee Ellison, of Ohatchee, AL; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Sharon Coggrave of Rugby, England; his son and daughter-in- law, Anthony K. Ellison and Kimberly Mueller of Anniston, AL; his daughter, Monica Ellison- Haynes of Jacksonville, AL and her long-time partner, Michael S. Simms Sr. of Anniston, AL; four grandchildren, Steven Coggrave, Laken Haynes Kilgore (Austin), Kellen Haynes, and Cooper Haynes; two beloved great grandchildren, Maren Kilgore and Margo Kilgore; his loving sister Hettie Buckner (James) of Asheville, NC; his brother David Ellison (Becky) of Chesapeake, VA; and many precious nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Donie Juanita Ellison. Services: Mr. Ellison’s family will be receiving friends and family on Friday, September 26th at 1pm, with a memorial service immediately following at 2pm. Visitation and Service will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 50 Hamric Drive East, Oxford, AL 36203. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations in Kim’s honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://dogood.t2t.org/IMORalphEllison or Fair Haven Foundation 1702 W. 16th Indianapolis, IN 46202 or www.fairhavenfoundation.org.

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Major Ralph Kimberly "Kim" Ellison

December 29, 1947 - September 21, 2025