Adam Ellison

Adam Wesley Ellison

Adam Wesley Ellison, II, 47, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones after a courageous battle with complications from pneumonia. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born on March 5, 1978, to Adam Wesley (Wes) Ellison and Janis Joye/Ellison Jackson while stationed at US Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Adam called Wilmington, NC, his home for most of his life. He graduated from E.A. Laney High School, Wilmington in 1996 and went on to earn a degree in graphic design in 1998. Following his education, Adam proudly served in the United States Navy as a Flight Deck Airman on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Aircraft Carrier for four years. During his service, he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, a chapter in his life that he carried with him with pride and honor.

Adam was known for his witty sense of humor and his heart of gold, which made him beloved by many. To know Adam was to love him-he had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and valued, and his many friends will forever remember his infectious spirit and love to have a good time.

He enjoyed art, soccer, surfing, snowboarding-especially with his son-and playing guitar. His love for live music and the outdoors also shone through in his lifestyle, always seeking the next adventure or good time with those closest to him. A true artist at heart, Adam's creativity flourished throughout his life. Adam made a career out of his passion working as an independent graphic designer specializing in vehicle wraps, vinyl work, and signage. His artistic legacy lives on in his creations.

Adam's proudest accomplishments, by far, were his children, Nash Wesley and Geneva Sloane. He loved them beyond measure, cherishing every moment spent with them, both individually and together. His empathic nature, deep love, and values will live on through them as they carry forward the legacy of his heart and spirit.

Adam is survived by his parents, Wes Ellison (wife, Carol) and Janis Joye Jackson (husband, Jeff); little sister, Tina Ellison Williamson (husband, Jason); son, Nash Ellison; daughter, Sloane Ellison; a very special niece, Isabella Dare LeGrand; Aunt Amy Tinney (husband, Bob); Uncle Tommy Joye (wife, Pam); special family friends, Becky & Mack Bell, Linda & Joey Williamson, and Cindy Catlin; best friends, Travis Coley (Kristen), Stephanie Ellison-Sierra (husband, Carlos), Benji Kitrell (wife, Debbie), Rusty Burke (wife, Michelle), Justin Jeffries (wife, Jessy), Jason Rich, Chris Craddock (wife, Stacey) Justin Loeser, and many friends of Bill who Adam helped along the way, men who stood by his side, bearing witness and offering their support. Adam touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Adam is preceded in death by his grandparents to which he was the apple of their eyes; Maternal Grandparents, Tommy Joye and Virginia Dare Lightfoot-Joye, Paternal Grandparents Wilford Ellison and Jacqueline Williams Ellison; a very special Great-Grandmother, Lillian Galloway Williams; many good friends gone too soon and a number of beloved pets.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited, called, messaged, and prayed for them during these difficult times. They are especially grateful to WakeMed of Raleigh for providing the best care possible to Adam, particularly to Nurse Thao on the 5th floor-there are truly more people like her needed in this world. They would also like to extend a special thank you to Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh for offering peace, comfort, and dignity during this delicate time. They are deeply appreciative of the volunteers and Night Nurses Robin and Lief-angels in every sense of the word, for the amount of care and compassion they gave to Adam and his family.

A memorial for Adam will be held at 1pm on March 22, 2025 at Northside Baptist Church, 2501 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC.

Adam will always be remembered for his boundless creativity, the laughter he brought into the world, and the love he freely gave to all who were fortunate enough to know him.