Beva "Beartrack" Ellis, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, firefighter, and lifelong servant of his community, passed away in Longview, Texas, on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his close family and friends. He was 78 years old. To those who knew and loved him, 78 years was far too short.

Beartrack was born on March 17, 1948, to Beva Ellis Sr. and Minnie Lucille Walker Ellis. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1966 and later graduated from Kilgore College.

In 1973, Beartrack began his long and distinguished career with the Marshall Fire Department. In 1979, he was named Pilot Club Ambulance Driver of the Year. In 1980, he was named EMT of the Year, and in 1982 he received the Bill Sullivan Senior Firefighter of the Year Award. In October 1997, Beartrack was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal for the City of Marshall. He retired in 2004 after more than three decades of service. Beartrack also spent 11 years as an instructor with the Texas Engineering Extension Service, now known as the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, helping educate and train others in the fire service.

Beartrack cared deeply for Marshall and the people who called it home. His life was defined by service, friendship, loyalty, and a willingness to help others. He never met a stranger, loved with his whole heart, and loved his family fiercely.

He was married to the love of his life, Ronda "Dixie" Ellis, whom he loved with every ounce of his heart. Their love was a treasured part of his life, and his devotion to her was evident to everyone who knew them.

Beartrack is survived by his beloved wife, Ronda "Dixie" Ellis; his children and their spouses and partners, Bo Ellis and Deon Behrman, Lindsey Phelps, Clark and Laura Adkins, and Holli and BrentMcIntosh; his daughter-in-law, Naomi Ellis, who was married to his late son, Tristan Belew Ellis; his grandchildren, Caetlyn, Brodie, Gage, Tucker, Jaxon, Kynlie, Evie, Audry, Ava, and Bailey; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie Lucille Walker Ellis and Beva Ellis Sr., and his beloved son, Tristan Belew Ellis.

Beartrack attended Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Outside of his service to the community, he loved fishing, duck hunting, deer hunting, and spending time with his family. He was also an enthusiastic collector of flashlights, knives, firearms, and just about anything connected to hunting.

Beartrack leaves behind a legacy of courage, service, laughter, friendship, and unconditional love. His absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but his memory will live on through his family, the community he served, the firefighters he mentored, and the countless lives he touched.

Pallbearers: Pat Holmes, Jack Hanson, Ronnie Morton, Ted Bartley, Charles Mayo, David Dean, Bill Elliott, Jeremy Michel, Ken Harris, and Randy Wilkerson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pope City Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Texas; P.O. Box 189, Woodlawn, Texas 75694 or popecitychurch.org; The Pet Place in Marshall, Texas; or an organization of your choice.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Algoma North Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel.