Samuel Eugene "Big Gene" Ellis, 40, of Palatka entered the sunset of life unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 3, 2012. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, he was born on Saturday, December 11, 1971. "Gene" was a 1991 graduate of Palatka High School. He was employed as a certified residential facilitator with the ARC and was formerly employed with ABM Janitorial Services and the Hastings Youth Academy. His church affiliation was God's Manna Ministries, Pastor Sheila J. McCoy. "Gene" was a great listener and counselor and in his spare time he enjoyed video games, cooking, listening to music and simply spending time with family and friends. Those who cherish his loving memories: devoted mother, Cynthia Lorraine Ellis, Palatka; father, David (Rosetta) Boyd, Brunswick, GA; daughter, Shalonda Ellis, Palatka; brothers and sisters, Ronald Moore, Valdosta, GA; Drayton Hampton, Gainesville; Kevin Boyd and Sherena Cross both of Tampa; Michelle Moore and Tonya Boyd, both of Palatka; 1st Lt. Danielle (Eddie) Walton and Dione Boyd, both of Ft Leonard, MO; aunts and uncles; Joseph Sharon, Anthony (Janet) Boyd, Edward (Debra) McGriff, Sylvia Jones-Adonican, Pastor Sheila (James) McCoy, Jacqueline (Homer) Gary; great aunt; Lucy Hutcherson, Atlanta, GA; cousin (raised as an aunt); Teresa Jones-Batts; and a host of other relatives, special cousins, caring co-workers, and loving friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.- 12 noon Saturday at the "Chapel of Serenity." The Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 13, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street, Palatka, Rev. James McGriff, Pastor. Pastor Sheila J. McCoy, of God's Manna Ministries, is the eulogist and Bishop Mark A. Jones, New Life Temple Fellowship OCI, officiating. There will be no viewing during the services. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery. The Cortege will assemble at 1:20 p.m. Saturday at the Ellis family residence, 712 North 14th Street, Palatka.