Darrell Eugene “Cooter” Ellis, 76, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on February 9, 2026, with his family by his side. To his children and grandchildren, Darrell was lovingly known as Pa, but to his many friends and coworkers, he was known as “Cooter”.
Darrell was the kind of man everyone counted on—strong, steady, and always willing to help. A 1968 graduate of Carlisle County High School, where he earned the title of Most Attractive, Darrell was known for the character and heart he showed every day of his life.
He retired after 43 years of faithful service at the Westvaco paper mill, where his unmatched work ethic and reliability were just as well known as they were at home. Darrell was a proud United States Army veteran, and his patriotism never wavered—you could always spot his truck flying the American flag. An outdoorsman through and through, Darrell was happiest catfishing on the Mississippi River or duck hunting with his faithful companion, Lucy, by his side. He also loved working in his yard or tending to one of his many gardens. Every year, he planted vegetables—so committed that he once cut family vacations short just to get home and pick green beans. He also lovingly grew a flower garden just for Billie, a quiet but powerful reflection of how deeply he loved her. His efforts even earned him “Best Yard” in Wickliffe recently, a title that suited his pride in hard work and doing things right.
A member of the R&R Hunting Club, Darrell was known as the person everyone called when they needed help—because he truly could do anything. Tough, resilient, and a fighter in every sense, he was constantly on the move, rarely sitting still, always busy. Most of all, Darrell loved big—and loved his family even bigger. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. His loyalty ran deep, his hands were always willing, and his presence was steady and strong.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 58 years, Billie Ellis; two daughters, Heather Gough of Barlow, Kentucky, and Delana (Kerry) Rich of Barlow; one son, Shane (Malisa) Ellis of Charleston, South Carolina; three sisters, Julia Morris of Bardwell, Janice (Gary) Payne of Florida, and Cynthia (Steve) Larkins of Columbus; sister-in-law, Paula Ellis; ten grandchildren, Austin (Abbey) Renfrow, Alex McReynolds, Aaron Gough, Anna Gough, Emaline Ellis, Avery Ellis, Avonlea Ellis, Alex Keel, Katerina Keel, and Liam Keel; three great-grandchildren, Brooks Renfrow, Baylor Renfrow, and Brock Renfrow; and his best friend and hunting dog, Lucy.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Morris; brother, Donnie Ellis; brother-in-law, Terry Morris; and his parents, CP and Martha Sue Forgey.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe with Bro. Dee Hazelwood officiating. Burial will follow at Wickliffe City Cemetery with Military Rites.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Mercy Health Hospice at 225 Medical Center Drive, Suite 203, Paducah, 42003.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
