Billie Ray Ellerbe, Esq.

MR. BILLIE RAY ELLERBE, Esq., 66 of CHARLOTTE, NC formerly of MT. GILEAD, NC passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at Atrium Health in Pineville, NC.

Public viewing will be Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 6 p.m., Harris Funeral Home & Cremations of Mt. Gilead, NC.  Due to Covid-19, a public memorial will be held at a later date.

Billie Ray was born on Saturday, March 13, 1954, in Richmond County, North Carolina, the fifth child of Raymond  Ellerbe, Jr., and Veatrice Medley Ellerbe.

He graduated from Ellerbe High School in Ellerbe, NC in 1972  and earned his BS Degree in Political Science from the  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1976.  The North Carolina Central University School of Law conferred upon him a Juris Doctor Degree in 1979.

For ten years, he worked as an attorney with Legal Services in Tifton, GA, Raleigh and in Charlotte, NC. He established his own practice, specializing in domestic law.  He continued to practice untl his sudden death.

Billie was an excellent conversationalist and told vivid stories.  He lit up a  room with his imagery and humor.  Many people inside and outside of the law profession sought his wisdom for numerous scenarios.  Billie drew  from his wealth of knowledge to provide advice-from scriptures, to song lyrics and everything in between.  With his excellent recall, he could make complicated and daunting concepts relatable.  As an avid history fan, Billie loved to read bookd and watch documentaries.  His love for history included military planes and warships.  Billie was a Carolina Basketball fan and a regular Carolina Panthers games.

Billie enjoyed several genres of music including jazz, classical and of course funk.  He was a proud "funkateer"  who happily traveled throughout the southeast to attand live George Clinton Concerts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Jack and William (Dave).

He leaves to mourn are two daughters, LaTannia and Jessica Taylor Ellerbe Johnson; step-daughter, Nicole Malachi; sister, Doreen Bowden (Ricky); brothers, Raymond Ellerbe III (Beulah), Gary Ellerbe, John Ellerbe(Anita) and Taylor Ellerbe; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and colleagues.

A Public memorial will be announced at a later date in Charlotte, NC.