Harold “Wayne” Ellison, of League City, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025 in League City at the age of 83.

Wayne was born on November 6, 1941 in Prague, Oklahoma to Barry and Lola Ellison.
He grew up in Prague, attending school until the 11th grade, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17.  Wayne was stationed in Germany, where his sense of adventure – and his entrepreneurial spirit – truly began.  He often joked that his first sales job was peddling cigarettes to fellow soldiers for extra spending money. 

After completing his service, Wayne returned to Oklahoma where he worked for the City of Shawnee.  He and his then-wife Wynona had their first daughter Gwen in 1964.  In 1968 Wayne moved his family to Texas where he worked in the oilfield industry selling equipment for 23 years for Gemoco and Houston Tong Services.  Wayne and Wynona welcomed their second daughter Angie in 1971.  On the weekends you could find him and his brother Donald at the drag strip in Baytown, racing cars and living life full throttle.

In 1991, Wayne attended his first watch show in Miami with 5 watches.  That trip marked the start of his favorite and most enduring career – trading guns, jewelry, diamonds and watches.   Over the next 34 years, he built a reputation as a sharp businessman in Houston and all over the country while attending trade shows.  Wayne’s favorite show was the Tulsa Gun Show where he was joined by his brothers Ray and Gene.  Even in his final weeks, Wayne was still making deals – closing one last gold trade from his hospital bed.  He formed countless friendships in the jewelry and pawn industries and was always eager to share his knowledge. Most days you could find him at the League City Pawn Shop, chatting with friends and searching for his next big deal.

Above all, Wayne’s greatest joy in life was family.  He was a proud and devoted father, and being a Papa to his grandkids and great-grandkids was one of his greatest joys.  He loved watching his grandsons compete in sports, taking them to Gulf Greyhound Park and spending time at family gatherings.  Wayne also enjoyed trips to Delta Downs and Coushatta, shooting pool, playing dominoes and collecting Colt .45s.

Wayne was proceeded in death by his parents Barry and Lola, brothers Gene Ellison, Ray Ellison and Donald Ellison and sisters Betty Moses and Linda Wilson

Wayne is survived by daughters Gwen Cannon and husband Aubrey, and Angie Watkins and husband Alan; grandsons Bryce Bucks, Connor Wallace and wife Shelbie, Jacob Moore and Luke Watkins; great grandchildren Ellis, Jackson and Noah Wallace; sisters Maxine Dukes, Barbara Hollon and Connie Wiatrek and husband Archie;  as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 2 o’clock at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573.  Reception to follow at Red River Bar-B-Que, 1911 East Main, League City, Texas 77573

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now or Breast Cancer Research Foundation http://www.bcrf.org