Raymond “Leon” Ellyson, 88, of Cox’s Mills, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 2, 1938, in Cox’s Mills, he was the son of the late Raymond Clyde and Nina Goldie Spiers Ellyson. A family man, accomplished farmer, and dedicated community servant, Leon touched countless lives throughout his remarkable journey.
A proud graduate of Troy High School, Class of 1956, Leon built a career as a well tender for Equitable Gas, serving for more than thirty years. His commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He was a 58-year member of the Freemasons, a US Army Reserve Veteran, served on the Gilmer County Board of Education for over twenty years, was an active member of the Cox’s Mills Community Association Board, Gilmer County Farm Bureau, the Farm Service Agency, and Cox’s Mills United Methodist Church. Among his many honors, Leon was a recipient of the prestigious American Farmer’s Degree for FFA, a testament to his agricultural excellence and dedication. Following retirement, Leon devoted himself wholeheartedly to farming and his family. His greatest joy was helping his children and grandchildren with their 4-H livestock projects each year. A familiar face at the Weston Livestock Market on Saturdays, he also traveled across the state shearing sheep, sharing his expertise and passion with fellow farmers, and he was a longtime fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Leon is survived by his wife, Penny Ellyson; son Steve Ellyson of Cox’s Mills and companion Patty Lowther; and daughter Mary Jo Roberts of Glenville and companion Greg Somerville. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie Haney (Luke), Amanda Ellyson (fiancé Eric), Brittany Ellyson, Whitney McCallister (Chris), Bryce Roberts, and Payton Roberts; and his great-grandchildren, Gunner, Delaynie, Duke, Ellyson, Cainen, Everleigh, and Tucker. Additional survivors include special family friend Billy Rose, who was like a son to him; niece Cheryl Spurgeon; and nephews Gary Ellyson and Kevin Spurgeon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Kathy Jo Alfred, whose loss he mourned deeply and whose memory he carried with him always; his siblings, Ralph Clyde Ellyson and Boneva Virginia Spurgeon; his nephews, Terry and Edwin “Ed” Ellyson; and his close friend and neighbor, Manley Zinn.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his end-of-life caretakers, Christina Rose and Ayla Meadows, and to WV Caring Hospice for their compassionate care, which allowed Leon to spend his final days in the comfort of his beloved home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cox’s Mills Community Building, 8667 WV Hwy 47 W, Cox’s Mills, WV 26342. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
A funeral service will be conducted at Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351at 11:00 AM; Friday, June 12, 2026 with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Horn Creek Cemetery in Cox’s Mills. Friends will be received from 4:00 – 7:00 PM; Thursday evening at the mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Uncle Leon with traditional burial arrangements.
