Elvis Donald Dorris

Reverend Elvis Donald Dorris, age 79, Southern Baptist minister, of Nashville, now walks straight and strong with his Savior as of Monday, March 3, 2008. He began serving God at the age of 15 by preaching at the “Shanty Town” area near Shelby Street Bridge. Most of his early life was spent in the East Nashville area. There he attended Lockland Baptist Church and Ivy Memorial Church where he was ordained to the ministry. He was an alumni of East High and attended Belmont College. During his ministry, he served as Pastor to various congregations in Middle Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Don was also blessed with many talents and abilities. He was an artist, poet, athlete, western movie collector, ventriloquist, antique car collector and administrator, but his main purpose of life was to serve God by preaching, teaching, and ministering to others. He was proud to serve on many associational committees including the Tennessee Baptist Executive Board, United Tennessee League, Hospital Chaplain, and various school and community functions often being honored and awarded for his loyal work. Retirement came early due to health problems to include Heart Disease, Parkinson Disease, hearing and vision loss and complications due to these medical problems that occurred for over 20 years. He devoted his heart and soul to his God, family and church. His passion was to share Gods love. His life and devotion to God and family touched many lives over the past 65 years. He will never be forgotten. He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Elvis and Pauline Dorris of Nashville and one sister, Nancy Dorris Hesson. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 61 years, Ellen Wester Dorris, who always remained by his side; his two beloved daughters, Janice Dorris Lee, and Brenda Dorris Brown; and four grandchildren, Adrienne, Logan Dorris, Eleanor and Olivia. The Celebration of Life Service was held March 8 at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Greenbrier with Reverend Frank Evans, life-long friend, officiating along with many others sharing thoughts and memories and special music throughout the service. The burial followed at Robertson County Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Visitation was held on Friday evening from 3pm until 8pm at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield and on Saturday at the church from 12 noon until the time of service at 2pm. Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, The Parkinson Disease Foundation or to Alive Hospice. Austin & Bell Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements. AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000

Elvis Donald Dorris

March 3, 1929 - March 3, 2008