Travis Andrew “Andy” Ellis, 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on June 27, 2026. Born in Hemphill, on May 12, 1960, to Sam Houston Ellis and Clarene Clark Ellis, Andy grew up with a love for family, music, and making memories that would stay with people for a lifetime. He graduated from Aldine High School in 1978 and spent most of his career in the construction industry where he not only built a respected reputation, but lifelong friendships. At Cavalry Construction & Restoration, Andy was more than a coworker, he was family. He was admired, respected, and loved by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact was so meaningful that both of his children, Ariel and Austin, would eventually follow in his footsteps and join the Cavalry family.

One of Andy’s greatest joys was spending time in Hemphill, where countless childhood memories were made with his grandparents, O.A. “Babe” and Hazel Clark. Summers were filled with riding bicycles and motorcycles with cousins and friends, and as the years passed, Hemphill remained home to family gatherings, holidays, and some of his favorite memories.

To know Andy was to know someone who never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends and making everyone feel welcome. His contagious laugh, unforgettable stories, and larger than life personality could brighten any room. Whether he was gathered around a poker table, playing dominoes, washers, singing karaoke, watching a ballgame, or simply sitting with family sharing stories, Andy made every moment one to remember.

Music held a special place in Andy’s heart. He loved writing songs, even if they never found a stage beyond family and friends. He was a storyteller by nature, and whether through music or conversation, he had a way of making people laugh, reflect, and feel connected.

Andy believed life was meant to be celebrated. If there was a reason to give, he gave generously. If there was something worth doing, he did it wholeheartedly. He was known for going above and beyond in everything, from planning gatherings to surprising his loved ones with thoughtful gestures. Whether it was showing up with oversized bouquets of flowers and ballons to celebrate one of Ariel’s accomplishments, or spending countless late nights with Austin covering the yard in Christmas lights until there wasn’t another spot to fill, Andy found joy in making the people he loved feel so special. Those grand gestures were never about the flowers or the lights, they were about making the people he loved feel seen, celebrated, and deeply cherished.

Above everything else, Andy was most proud of his family. His greatest accomplishments were his children, Ariel and Austin, and later, his grandsons, Walker and Kasey, who brought him endless joy. He celebrated every milestone, offered unwavering encouragement, and loved each of them with his whole heart. Nothing made him happier than watching his family grow and spending time together making memories.

Andy leaves behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, music, stories, and unconditional love. While his family mourns the loss of a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, they also celebrate a life lived fully and a man who made every room brighter simply by walking into it.

He is survived by his daughter, Ariel Ellis; his son, Austin Ellis; his beloved grandsons, Walker and Kasey; his sister, Cindy Marik and husband Brad; his stepmother, Dorothy Ellis; his nieces, Heather Perimon, Shonda Mason, Christine Parker; his nephews, Colton, Cameron, and Carson Marik; mother of his children, Angela Ellis; along with countless extended family members, dear friends, and coworkers who became family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Houston Ellis and Clarene Clark Ellis.

Visitation will be held at Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, Texas, on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Harper Chapel Cemetery. Austin Ellis, Brad Marik, Cameron Marik, Carson Marik, Michael Perimon, and Cody Tatum will serve as pallbearers.

The family finds comfort in knowing Andy has been reunited with his Momma and Daddy, whose love he carried with him throughout his life. Though he will be missed beyond words, his stories, his laughter, his songs, and the love he gave so freely will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him.