Victor Ellis Loses Cancer Fight

HE WAS THE GREATEST COACH/TEACHER AT UNITY. HE WAS MORE LIKE A FRIEND TO US AT UNITY THEN OUR TEACHER. HE WAS AND STILL IS LOVED BY ALL THE STUDENTS. AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HE WILL NOW AND FOREVER BE IN MY HEART. I KNOW THAT EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM WILL ALSO REMEMBER HIM AS A PERSON WHO ALWAYS GAVE OUT LOVE.

REST IN PEACE COACH ELLIS
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED AND REMEMBERD

I had the pleasure to meet Victor Ellis in Oakland California. He was the firts coach at a new opened high school called Oakland Unity High in 2003. He was a P.E teacher, Advisor, Basketball and Soccer coach, but most importly he was a friend! He always gave us words of wisdom and encouragement. He was always very happy and full of smiles every single day. Yes as high school students we made him mad, but at the end of the day he was still the smily coach Ellis we said good morning to. I know that it is very hard for each of the students that knew him to hear this shoking news. Not only of his passin but also of his sickness. He will always be remembered at Unity the Butterflies (inside joke he and our other coach made up). We weill forever love you Coach and you will always be Coach Ellis. I pray for him and his family!

I had the pleasure of meeting Vic while he was being recruited by Alabama. At the time I was a junior, but our age difference did not cause a gap in our friendship. I remember when he graduated high school, Vic's close friend, Shakela and I made a road trip to Chattanooga for the occasion. It was at that point I realized where Vic got his charm and good manners. His mom, Ms. Debbie was so nice to us. She even allowed us to stay at her home! I don't know too many mothers who would let two older girls she's never met before stay at her home who's traveled a distance to see her baby graduate. I know my mom would have been like, "Something in this milk not clean." Ms. Debbie was very nice, and I want to take time now and say THANKS for bringing Vic in this world, and raising him right. God bless.

I am a former University of Alabama Athletic Tutor. I did not tutor Victor but was in the same room where he was tutored. Often times he would stop by and speak. Victor was a kind person. He was not arrogant like others. While at work and sitting at my Desk on Wedensday morning, a WTUG news reporter announced his death and I was floored. All I heard was Victor Ellis was dead. As an alumni and an all American Football Fan I needed someone to talk to, I left my desk and talked to co-workers. I told them he can't be any more than 27 or 28 years old, a young person. My supervisor told me it was a rare aggressive form of cancer. I would like for Victor's family to know that we all are going to miss him but God loves him Best and that there's no more suffering for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I had the pleasure of knowing Victor through his dad. I met Victor my freshman year of high school, he was a freshman at UA. He inspired me so much to attend UA that when I graduated I went. We kept in contact for a while but through the years we parted ways. I always wondered how he was doing but was unsuccessful with getting in contact with him. He always had a way of making you smile or laugh. He was such a kind hearted guy. I have missed him very much and I will keep his family in my prayers.

My brother-in-law recruited Victor to play at UA. He always talked about what a special kid he was. I met Victor in December when he came to see my sister and brother-in-law at a bowl game in Atlanta. He was such a nice young man and so full of life. My sister saw him two weeks ago when she and her husband went to visit with Victor. She said he was still so sweet and kind. He was still smiling and gracious even when he was struggling to catch his breathe. Also, he still hadn't given up on life. Victor has touched my life and I only met him once, just his story has made a difference to me. I'm sure he's standing tall with Jesus in heaven right now. I know it is hard for us on Earth to understand why these kind of things happen to such good people. My thoughts and prayers go out to Victor's family and friends. Just know that even in his short time on this Earth he made an impact on people. May he rest in peace, God Bless!

I had the priveledge of going to school and graduating RBHS with Victor. He was one of the greatest people you could ever have the priveledge of knowing. He was kind to everyone. His big white smile could light up the room!!! I never knew him to ever be sad, angry, but always hopeful and hilarious!!! He will be greatly missed!! :(

Truely a testement to living each day to the fullest!! Even in photos where he was so sick and could barely stand too long.. he had a great spirit and smile!!

Please pray for his family!!!

I had the pleasure of having Victor as a student in a couple of classes I taught at UA back in 1999 and 2000. First and foremost, Victor is and was a credit to his family. He was also an outstanding student who happened to play football.

Victor, with his warm and friendly personality, was a natural leader respected by his peers. It was a pleasure to watch Victor work a room. He had a natural, authentic charm that made him popular with everyone. He was a lot of fun. He almost never was quite. But he did have a quite side. That was his beauty.

Victor was an intelligent young man--warm of spirit and keen of intellect. He touched many people in his short life. Every one of us will remember him fondly for decades to come. Victor has staying power. That was his impact and that is his legacy. That will not change.

He was, simply, life. Life wrapped in a smile.

I had several classes with Victor. He was a extremely outgoing guy who seemed to be a naturally happy person, got along with everyone . He never let his status as a football player at UA get in the way and he seemed like a normal college kid. When I heard that he was sick several months ago from a friend...I was floored. Today I'm sad for several reasons but I know Victor's in a better place. We will all miss him.