Ellis M. Fountain Obituary (1963 - 2019)

On Sunday May 12,2019 at 4:25am Ellis Maurice Fountain, known to many as "Big Moo" and "Moody"made a 50 yard dash into the end zone making his final touchdown into his heavenly home. Ellis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1963, the second of four sons born to Charles James Fountain and Mary Marshall Fountain. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather and namesake, Ellis Randolph Fountain, and close cousin Sakina Wilson. At the age of 8 because of his matter of fact way and comedic behavior all at the same time his older brother Keith gave him the nickname "Moody" which stuck with him for the rest of his life. Ellis started attending Trinity Baptist Church (Richmond,Va) at an early age with his parents and in his early adult life he attended Solid Rock Baptist Church (Richmond,Va). Later on in life he truly enjoyed attending MOHCC (Richmond,Va) where his brother Dwight Lionel was the pastor. Moody developed a new love for the word. The highlight of his Sunday besides a Dallas Cowboy game,was hearing his brother preach the word. He was so proud. As Ellis health challenges arised he ended up streaming Pastor Joel Olsteen (Lakewood Church, Dallas Texas) and Bishop Daniel Robinson Jr.(Mt Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries, Richmond,Va). He loved them both and wanted to stay as close to the word as possible. Ellis was a graduate of the Armstrong Class of 1980 which later became Armstrong-Kennedy Highschool. Armstrong was where Ellis's love for cars and the social scene first developed. One of his prized possessions was his 1976 Monte Carlo. Ellis went into the workforce upon leaving high school. His most memorable places of employment were Western Sizzlin,RichFood, and International Paper (formally known as Union Camp) where he would end up employed for 25 years. Ellis later met and married LaJune Gilchrist (which he affectionately referred to as"Junie") on June 6, 1986. Two children were born from this union, LaTasha Nicole Fountain (Nikki) and Maurice Antonio Fountain (Tony). Although they parted later in life, they remained good friends throughout the years. LaJune later in life birthed Mikala and Mickia Farrar who Ellis considered to be his "bonus daughters". "Moody" was an avid Dallas Cowboy football fan. His loyalty to his team remained consistent regardless if the Cowboys won or lost the game. "Law and Order" reruns, Lifetime Movies, and NYPD Blue re-runs also captured his attention; only if the Cowboys were not playing. Without hesitation, he would proclaim that he was "the king of cooking"; noting that no one else could do any better! After Sunday's games, he shared with family, friends, and neighbors his signature meal chicken wings and fries. To avoid any doubt of his culinary abilities, he would proudly announce, "Now, that was on-point Baby!" - and it really was! Ellis found great pleasure in cooking and sharing a meal with the ones he loved; it became his ministry. The 25 years Ellis was employed by International Paper (IP) resulted in many close friends whom he regarded as family. He was a prominent fixture at IP, a jokester in his matter of fact way. Ellis was truly loved and respected by his" work family." Later in life, Ellis, worked and pressed through different health challenges; seen and unseen. While he will be greatly missed, Ellis Maurice Fountain lived a rich, full and meaningful life, touching the lives of many. In addition to his parents Charles and Mary Fountain, Ellis leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter LaTasha Nicole "Nikki" , son Maurice Antonio "Tony"; both of Richmond, soon to be daughter-in-love, Taylor Smelser,soon to be granddaughter Avery Lee, three brothers, Charles Keith (Jeanetta) of Columbia, SC, Kelvin Olaf (Jacqueline), Dwight Lionel (Tyesha), LaJune "Junie" Davidson, "bonus daughters" Mikala and Mickia Farrar, nephews Keshawn, Chadwick, Kelvin, Nicholas, Jordan, Taj, Gabriel; and nieces Chelsea, Shekia, Marissa, LeAsia; all of Richmond, VA. A host of uncles and aunts including Mary Foster of Yeardon, PA; Gloria Hamilton (Robert) of New York, NY; Robert Fountain (Sarah) of South Boston, VA; Gerald Fountain (Dorothy) of Varina, VA; Reverend Dr. John Fountaine (Dorothy) of Washington, DC; George Fountain of Miami, FL; Wayne Fountain (Vanessa) of South Boston, VA; Wyatt Fountain of Philadelphia, PA. Life long friends Chaun Newkirk, Melvina Blevins Lawrence, Mary Anderson, Lisa Johnson, Earl Jones and Harry Collins. Just to name a few. Along with a host of many more relatives, adopted daughters and sons and close friends who he held close to his heart. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St. Interment Dale Memorial Park.