John Leo Ellison

John Leo Ellison, Sr., age 81 of Lake City, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at his home. Mr. Ellison was an only child to the late John Oliver Ellison and Essie Mae Ellison. He had lived most of his life in Lake City and retired from PCS in White Springs with 32 years of employment. Following his retirement, Mr. Ellison worked as a crossing guard with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office at Hwy 90 and Old Country Club Road where he loved seeing the smiling faces of the kids. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son-in-law, Phillip Flint; and his beloved dog “Red”, whom he referred to as his children’s baby brother.

Survivors include his children, Rosemary Taylor (Allen), Loretta Lynn Flint and Johnny Ellison all of Lake City; son Ronald Lee of Arkansas; his cousin, Autra Ellison of Cross City; 4 grandchildren including Justin Porter of Lake City and Jay Porter (Caley) of Jacksonville; and seven great-grandchildren including, Emma, Grantham, Landry and Stetson of Jacksonville.

Graveside funeral services for Mr. Ellison will be conducted on Monday, March 2,2026 at 3:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with his grandson, Pastor Jay Porter officiating. Interment will follow.