Ray Ellis of Edgartown died at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Oct. 4 of complications from a stroke. He was 92. A nationally recognized artist whose paintings are in the permanent collection at The White House and museums around the country, Mr. Ellis sought out beauty in everything. He was an unwavering optimist and a romantic who imagined the best possible reality and then stepped inside and lived it. Born in Philadelphia on April 24, 1921, Raymond George Ellis grew up on Lismore Avenue in Glenside, Pa.
Ray Ellis of Edgartown died at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Oct. 4 of complications from a stroke. He was 92.
A nationally recognized artist whose paintings are in the permanent collection at The White House and museums around the country, Mr. Ellis sought out beauty in everything. He was an unwavering optimist and a romantic who imagined the best possible reality and then stepped inside and lived it.
Born in Philadelphia on April 24, 1921, Raymond George Ellis grew up on Lismore Avenue in Glenside, Pa. He began painting as a child and spent his life celebrating each day — both on canvas and in the world he shared with Theodora (Teddie) Axtell, his wife of 28 years.
He attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, and in 1947, at the age of 26, had his first one-man show at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
He was elected to the American Watercolor Society and in 1968 to the Salmagundi Club in New York, the oldest established professional art association in the country. Other New York memberships included The Century Association, the Artists’ Fellowship, and The Lotos Club.
After serving four years in the Coast Guard during World War II, he married Elizabeth Ketcham, who predeceased him in 1972. Mr. Ellis pursued watercolor painting while working in advertising to support his family, eventually founding his own advertising agency with offices in New Jersey and New York. But from 1969 on, he worked exclusively as an artist.
During a brief second marriage, he moved from New Jersey to Hilton Head Island, S.C., and then to Savannah, Ga.
Mr. Ellis felt his life became truly charmed during the 1980s when he and Teddie built their summer home on Martha’s Vineyard, eventually making it their year-round residence.
In the 1980s, Ray Ellis and the late television journalist Walter Cronkite collaborated on a series of three books depicting America’s coastlines in word and image: South by Southeast, North by Northeast, and Westwind. There are 15 other books exclusively devoted to his paintings. His biography will be published in the spring of 2014.
In 1986, he founded Compass Prints and The Ray Ellis Gallery in Savannah, Ga., which continues as his headquarters. His work is also displayed at the North Water Gallery in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, and The Cheryl Newby Gallery, Pawleys Island, S.C.
For three consecutive years beginning in 1998, Mr. Ellis was commissioned by President and Mrs. Clinton to paint scenes of the White House to be reproduced as their official holiday greeting card.
He painted on all seven continents. His works have been exhibited in United States embassies around the world. In 2004, the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, Ga., created a major traveling exhibition of his paintings. He was awarded the Salmagundi Club’s Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts in 2004.
Until the time of his illness, encouraged and supported by Teddie, his daily routine included at least five matches of backgammon with Teddie at the table in his studio and then several hours of painting at his easel. He was an enthusiastic tennis player, golfer and fisherman as well as being an active member of The Edgartown Reading Room and an honorary member the Vineyard Golf Club.
Mr. Ellis raised more than $1 million for the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust over two decades. For 25 years, he was commissioned by the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby to paint yearly Vineyard fishing scenes from which commemorative limited edition prints were made to benefit the Derby Scholarship Fund. He also donated prints for auction to numerous charities on the Island and in Savannah. In an effort to support young artists who aspire to duplicate his own path as a full-time artist, he established the Ray Ellis Foundation, which provides funds for those wanting to pursue a career in the visual arts.
Mr. Ellis grew up surrounded by relatives and had a deep respect for his heritage. His maternal grandfather, William Trapier was a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. His paternal grandfather, George Wilson Ellis, was a blacksmith who served two terms in the Pennsylvania State Legislature in the late 1800s.
His father, Raymond Grant Ellis (named for Ulysses S. Grant) of Welsh and Irish descent, studied art at Drexel Institute, eventually becoming advertising manager for the Exide Battery Company in Philadelphia. His mother, Helen Trapier, an aspiring watercolorist, was a French Huguenot with an ancestry that traced back to plantation life outside Georgetown, S.C.
He is survived by his wife Teddie; his four children, George, Andrew, Margaret, and Elizabeth and their spouses; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves his sister Margaret Dando, brother Richard Ellis and legions of friends around the world.
Interment services were private. Friends are invited to a celebration of his long, wonderful life at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Ray Ellis Foundation, P.O. Box 8456, Savannah, GA 31412, or Artists’ Fellowship, Inc., 47 5th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10003.
Comments
Such a loss. As a young
Caroline New YorkSuch a loss. As a young working girl on the Vineyard in the 70s, I wished I could afford one of his paintings. Alas, I could not but I did manage later to buy one very small work that has a prominent space in my heart, and home.
I dreamed about Teddie and
Ava Herron Sucre, Bolivia South AmericaI dreamed about Teddie and Ray last night so assumed he had passed. I had the privilege to work for Teddie and Ray for 6 years. So got to enjoy their beautiful home on Martha's Vineyard and his art. Also the parrot and dog.
What an unbelievable loss...
Diana Martha's VineyardWhat an unbelievable loss...
He had more energy at 90 than most 50 year olds I know.
I spent many a winter day in the Edgartown Art Gallery with one of the greatest story tellers of our time.
I am honored to display some of his work in my home, and he will always have a place in my heart...
He was a special gift to us all and he will be sorely missed..
Ray was a genuinely sweet
Katie edgartownRay was a genuinely sweet caring man who would always brighten my day when he and his fellow "Bad Boys" would join me Thursdays at the Harbor View for lunch. Ray would always be sure to tell me how much he enjoyed the baked goods I'd bring them. the island has truly lost one of its greats.
Thursdays at the Harbor View
Cindy Martha's VineyardThursdays at the Harbor View will never be the same.
Your Baked Goods were always
Mar Hess EdgartownYour Baked Goods were always a delight and most eagerly anticipated and appreciated by Ray.......
Last time I saw ray I gave
cathy Martha's vineyardLast time I saw ray I gave him a kiss and he said is that all you got wonderful man he will be missed deeply
I feel very privileged to
Jack Lane Hilton Head islandI feel very privileged to have known Ray. He was an amazing man whose love of painting and life was infectious. I'm sure that everyone who knew him will be saddened by his loss.
We lost a truly great man,
Steve Martha's VineyardWe lost a truly great man, artist, humanitarian, friend...what began as a working relationship, soon blossomed into a great friendship...I treasure the times I spent with Ray, swapping stories, watching his paintings progress to their completion and all the laughs we shared...I will miss Ray, my friend.
We will all miss this
Steve & Janice Fletcher West Tisbury / Tega Cay, SCWe will all miss this wonderful man, not only for the thousands of magnificent scenes he so skillfully presented in his work, but for the jovial, generous, caring man that he was. We're honored to have so many of his works proudly displayed in our homes, the most special of which he signed for our wedding held in 1995 at the Federated Church. His words from his book, Martha's Vineyard--An Affectionate Memoir, are unforgettable: "I love what I do, and I love where I do it. As I approach my 73rd year, I honestly feel as though I have come "home." the Vineyard is the only place I have ever been where, when I am there, I never want to be anywhere else.". Thanks you, Ray.
I enjoyed the friendship
Martha Shaw Oak BluffsI enjoyed the friendship between my friend Walter Cronkite and Ray Ellis. They were wonderful friends and it was a pleasure to see their enthusiasm for all things beautiful.
Martha Shaw
as they say at Bot's Town",he
dick ellis savannah,ga.as they say at Bot's Town",he's not heavy,he's my brother.as a perswon he will be unforgetable--as a brother he will be ireplaceable.many unforgetable memories.what a talent,what an entertainer,what a giant of a person.so long Jocko,see you on the other side.dick
My deepest Sympathy...I
Louanne LaRoche Bluffton,S.C.My deepest Sympathy...I remember Ray telling me the secret to happy life was having your health,having something to look forward too, and someone to love.He will always be remembered
in the LaRoche household.
Dick et. Al.,
Jeff Henriksen Falls Church, VADick et. Al.,
I am sorry for your loss. I have grown up with the influences of Ray Ellis in my life as seen though Dick's eyes and through that of my parents who were close friends of Dick. Since I can remember, I have had a Ray Ellis in my life, starting with North by Northeast on my parents coffee table, a signed lithograph while in college by Ray and Walter Cronkite, or a painting on the wall that I now look at often. While I didn't know Ray personally, I did want to pay my respects to someone that touched so many more lives than he probably knew. God Bless.
Ray was a true gift---always
The Walsh Family (Karen, Ron, and our grown children) Mashpee, MARay was a true gift---always a smile, always generous, and what you saw was what you got! He will be sorely missed.
Such a HUGE LOSS for our
Kirby Thorne-Doyle Edgartown, MA...MVSuch a HUGE LOSS for our BEAUTIFUL Little Island!!!
Ray...You will be MISSED TONS!!!
Thanx for ALL of your GIFTS!!!
What a gift to have had this
Wendy Ellis-Smith Watsonville CaliforniaWhat a gift to have had this amazing man as my Uncle - The memories are treasures!
His talent,stories and kindness were effortless
I thought he would live forever - I will look for the brightest star in the sky
tonight - I love you Uncle Bud
My condolences to Teddie and
Scott RYan West caldwell,NJMy condolences to Teddie and the Ellis family....So sorry to hear this news....
Ray and my father were
Stu Einstein Geneva, NYRay and my father were friends, back in the day ... kind of ironic that Ray died the day after what would have been Dad's 93rd birthday. What a wonderful man ... Ray and I collaborated by phone and mail on my kids' Christmas gifts last year ... he will be missed!
I had the opportunity to see
Kenan J. Kern Savannah, GAI had the opportunity to see Ray several times in Savannah over the past 10 years. He always remembered me from my introduction to his art within The Road to Ballybunion. Ray's magical journey through golf and lore of Southwest Ireland will always remain with me as well as much of his artwork throughout my home that draws me to Ray everytime I see his artwork. I will really miss his wonderful talent as well as his warm friendship.
We can't believe it. It seems
Pat and John Durfee West TisburyWe can't believe it. It seems like we talked only yesterday. Ray was the best!
My brother Andy, my sisters
George Ellis Long IslandMy brother Andy, my sisters Peggy and Libby, and I would all like to thank the Island for all it has given to our dad Ray--just as the Island has been thankful for him. Everyone should know that in the month between his stroke and his passing, Ray saw so many of the people he loved--family, friends, acquaintances--in his hospital room. He beamed as each person came into the room. He was as wonderful a family man as he was a friend and artist. In thinking about his life, I pondered his lifelong love of baseball and thought, "He pitched a perfect game." Thank you all for what you gave to him, and what you received in turn. In time we'll see what place he finds in art history--but he has already secured his place in Vineyard history.
Beautifully said, George. He
Aylin Green Lambertville, NJBeautifully said, George. He was a joyous man. So sorry for your loss, but we can all be happy for the gift of having known him.
agifted artist and caring
joel lynch savannah gaagifted artist and caring human being a privilage to have nown him
Great loss for the Island.
claire londonGreat loss for the Island. lucky enough to wake up to his picture we have of Chappy ferry in morning mists .
Brilliant artist indeed.
We are holding all of you in
Justina and Chad Charleston, SCWe are holding all of you in our prayers -- especially Peggy, our friend and Ray's daughter, who follows in her Dad's talented footsteps. We know Ray was incredibly proud of his children (Peggy, Libby, George and Andy) and grandchildren and enjoyed every precious moment with them. I will always imagine Ray dancing the night away at Peg and Peter's wedding!
I never got to meet Ray in
Darrell Tiencken Atlanta/Savannah Ga.I never got to meet Ray in person,but I feel like I know him through his work.
I know he was a great artist,but more importantly a great human being.
Ray and became life long
terry richard charleston s.cRay and became life long friends when I first met him when we both lived and painted on Hilton Head Island. We attended regular meetings at Red Piano Art Gallery Round Table with our fellow Island Artist's. I had the pleasure of spending personal time with Ray and was all ways amazed with his wit and humor. Not only was he a Master Painter, but he played a mean jazz piano., r.i.p. my friend..
There will never be another
Lily Camden SCThere will never be another Ray Ray....I feel honored to have known him and worked for him. I have many wonderful/beautiful memories hanging on the walls of my home.
to Teddie and all Ray's
Marian Mohr Roswell Georgiato Teddie and all Ray's family my deepest sympathy. We all share your loss. He left us with so many wonderful memories--early days of the Derby, the memorable and most dear to so many of us The Wasque Fishermen the first of the famous Derby prints and surely one of the most treasured.the wonderful celebration at the Harborview for his induction into the Derby Hall of Fame along with Cooper Gilkes and Dom Mohr.What a party that was! So many young people who received scholarships for college from the Derby largely funded through his generosity and amazing beauty of so many years of derby prints.All our family have so many of these treasures which will always keep the memories of this very special,delightfully loving and kind man in our hearts forever.
Had the pleasure of knowing
Lenna Wegener Dembski Mount Airy, MarylandHad the pleasure of knowing and working with Teddie at the time she met Ray. He made her so very happy! I often thought of them and wondered where life took them. Am happy to know they had 28 wonderful years together. My thoughts and prayers are with you Teddie.
I can’t believe Ray has
Cheryl Newby Pawleys Island, SCI can’t believe Ray has really gone. What an honor it has been to know him throughout the years. I have learned a lot from him and they were all good things to learn. He was such a character; his strong voice full of enthusiasm for whatever was going to happen next. He was a storyteller; verbally, and on paper, and canvas. He could remember everyone, and once he made it from Savannah to Myrtle Beach “in just over three hours with only one speeding ticket” to get to his Opening at our gallery.
It’s pretty wonderful Ray that you have left us all smiling when we think of you.
Our thoughts are with you Teddie.
Thanks Ray, for painting the
Eduardo New MexicoThanks Ray, for painting the world and the wonderful images you left in a lot of minds.
Walking my dog in Edgartown
Aron Levy West TisburyWalking my dog in Edgartown one day I met a kind elderly man and we got to talking. I introduced myself, and he said 'I'm Ray Ellis.' It was the only time I've ever been star-struck on this island paradise of ours.
Ray, I only spoke to you once, but your paintings will always live on. And they will give me something to aspire to own so that you may beautify my own life.
Thank you. And say 'hi' to Walter for me :)
First off my condolences to
Raymond Schilcher San Francisco & Martha's VineyardFirst off my condolences to Teddy and the whole Ellis family. The world was a much better place thanks to the humanity and talent of Ray Ellis. We'll miss the man greatly, but his
passion, vision and art will always remind us of his gift and our loss!
We will always cherish the
louise DuArt SQuire Rushnell edgartownWe will always cherish the memory of seeing Ray's smiling face and hearing his wonderfully entertaining stories. He had a childlike quality that was so endearing. His light will always shine bright on this island. Condolences to Teddy and the Ellis family.
God bless. Ray was so
Corey McClintock Weston, CTGod bless. Ray was so talented and one of most fun to be around.
Aren't memories the best!
Marcia Hoffman Brooks Baltimore MarylandAren't memories the best! Zippity DOO DA! Ray, my uncle was 16 when I was born and he but was more one of my wonderful big brothers since we lived together for three formative years until he went into the coast guards. We waited with great anticipation for his phone calls from Australia. In 1946 he and Betty took me to see Song of the South giving me a memorable weekend. We spent many years of family fun in Philadelphia, Avalon and northern New Jersey Such a talented, loving, fun person. See ya Buzzy. Have a drink with. G. P.
What a great man! I grew up
Tom Hoffman Hingham, MAWhat a great man! I grew up with Peggy Ellis in Chatham, NJ and of course knew her dad and family. What I had forgotten, and most folks did not know, was that he was a huge fan of Chatham High School sports. About 20 yers ago I ran into Ray in Edgartown (we summer there) and reintroduced myself. Without hestitation, he fired off that I was the starting left guard on the 1970 Chatham HS footbll team and he named the whole starting lineup. As many have said, he always had a smile and was always happy to see you. What a great role model, My condolences to Peggy and all of the Ellis family.
Ray was one of the dearest
Peter Pollak Charleston,SCRay was one of the dearest people that I have ever known.His positive outlook on life and the love of telling a good joke and having fun was always a pleasure to be around.He could pull anyone thru a difficult time.
Such a sad loss. A friend of
Darby Drake New JerseySuch a sad loss. A friend of my fathers, he made an early impression on me as did his family while in New Jersey. There is a watercolor of my dad and brother fishing with Mr. Ellis that was with my dad til he died and now on my brothers wall. It is very special and of a special time. My thoughts are with all the family.
So sorry to hear about Ellis.
John Logan Norman Park, Ga.So sorry to hear about Ellis. He was my mentor. Met him in several occasions and on his 90th birthday. We made a special trip to Savannah to see him on his 90th. He will be missed dearly.
What a wonderful friend ,
Ross Meurer Cold Spring Harbor NYWhat a wonderful friend , mentor and confidante. Just starting to reflect on all the great and funny times spent with Ray on the Vineyard and in Savannah . Ray was bigger than life with an appetite for more of everything .He leaves a treasure of gifts for us all. He may be gone but he's not forgotten. Cheers and love to Teddie and family
My "Artist-Heart" crys. I
Andrea Christiansen GermanyMy "Artist-Heart" crys. I have loved the Ray Ellis' wonderful Art and have learned so much studying it. I will never Forget him.
It was a privilege to have
Nancy chamberlain Boca raton FloridaIt was a privilege to have known and worked with ray Ellis. His on going support of me at the red piano gallery on Hilton head will always be cherished in my heart
We still have happy memories
Jay and Hilary Jones Cobham Surrey UKWe still have happy memories of sitting and chatting with Ray in the courtyard garden of his gallery home in Savannah. He allowed us to stay for 3 weeks whilst visiting jay's father Don and family who lived on West Harris street back in July 1981. Three lovely prints he signed hang on our cottage wall continue to remind us of our stay and his kindness to us.
OMG - I wasn't sure but as
Janet Waite Delray Beach, FlOMG - I wasn't sure but as the years went by and I had not heard from Ray I thought perhaps he had passed - it is now January 2017 and I am just finding out for sure that my hunch was correct - I knew Ray very well in Chatham, NJ and also at the Jersey Shore - he had a house in Avalon and we vacationed in Stone Harbor - We both had boats - he painted our boat "Fair Lady" and the painting hangs on the wall in my living room - I also have many of his books - the early ones - the ones with Walter Cronkite - signed by Ray - such treasures - I know his daughter Peggy is an artist and lives in Charleston - my grand daughter lives in Charleston and the next time I visit her I gotta look up Peggy Ellis - I am friends with Peggy on FB - Just read that TOm Hoffman met Ray in Martha's Vineyard years ago (Tom lived and grew up in Chatham) and was like my 3rd son - graduated CHS with my oldest son, Doug, and Ray knew him immediately - Ray was quite a guy - everybody loved Ray! My Ray Ellis painting of our boat Fair Lady is priceless - when he painted it back in the 60's he only charged me a little over $100.00 - so it is a TRUE TREASURE!!!! Not sure how I stumbled across this website - if that is what it is - LOL - but whatever it is so glad I did - Jan Waite
Knew Ray in Chatham, NJ when
Janet Waite Delray Beach, FlKnew Ray in Chatham, NJ when he had his ad agency on Main Street - enjoyed many parties with him at my house - and at the Jersey Shore - his house and mine in the summer time. He was a treasured friend and I have a painting of our Boat - Fair Lady - that he painted for my husband one Christmas - it graces my living room wall - Also have a framed poster of The Chatham Centennial and several of his books all hand signed by Ray. What a great guy he was.
I have all of his books and
Christopher Paulos Augusta, GAI have all of his books and look at them continually. I try to paint watercolors as Mr. Ellis did . I can not believe he is gone ! I’’ve been an artist since 1963 when I was introduced to watercolors. I wish I had met him at his gallery in Savannah, but health issues prevented me. I did go to his show in 2004 in Savannah and it was so impressive and wonderful, i’ll Never forget it....To me his work is one of America’s best! He’s as good as Andrew Wyeth! I will truly miss his work.
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