A native of Columbus and the son of the late Horace and Lillie B. Arnold, Ellis was a 1971 graduate of Baker High School and the Owner/Operator of Ellis Arnold Contracting Company.

Mr. Ellis Arnold was preceded in death by his siblings; Shirley Benton (Raymond), James Arnold (Terry), Horace Arnold, Jr. (Susan) and Edward Arnold.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Osra Arnold; two daughters, Anjanette "Angel" Miller and Crystal Holliday; two stepsons, Robert Young, Sr.(Margo) and Bret Young; three grandchildren, Markelle Barber, Alton Holliday II and Jaelyn Miller; three step grandchildren, Rinicca Kirkpatrick(Ryan), Robert Young, Jr. and Jessica Young; two step great grandchildren, Nyla Kirkpatrick and Kaidyn Brown; his siblings, Maggie Gray (John), Pastor Claudette Moss (Pastor Bernard Moss), Betty Badie (Nealon), Vera Furse (Clarence), Jeroline Whitehead (Willie), Dorothy Arnold (Joe) and Geoffrey Arnold; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.