Clarence Ellerbe

Mr. Acie Clarence Ellerbe, 86, of Olin, NC passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Mr. Ellerbe was born February 12, 1927 in Polk County, FL. He was the last of nine children born to the late Alexander Clarence Ellerbe and Rachel Whidden Ellerbe. On June 13, 1945, Mr. Ellerbe married Gwendolyn Leona Wells who survives. Mr. Ellerbe was a veteran of the U.S. Army 82 Airborne and was a member of Grassy Knob Baptist Church. He was a self employed farmer and he was affectionately known as the "watermelon man." In addition to his eight siblings, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda Ellerbe in 1959. Mr. Ellerbe is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gwen Ellerbe of the home, one son, Acie Ellerbe (Gail) of Statesville and one daughter, Linda E. Layfield of Olin. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren along with a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Ellerbe will be conducted 11:00 am Friday, November 29, 2013 at Grassy Knob Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Miles and Rev. William Souther officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Ellerbe.