Harold “Wayne” Ellison
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 Space City Jewelry and Loan, 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
I hadn’t kept up with Wayne since we closed our business HPM about 3 years ago but I did often think of him. I always enjoyed his stopping in whether we had business to do or not. I know he loved y’all as he often told stories about his family. I’m sorry to miss the remembrance as I’m out of town over that date. I know we will all miss him !
Warm Regards Jack Hendlmyer
Wayne was an incredible guy and very very TOUGH he was my good friend and business associate. He will truly be missed we used to talk all the time. I’ll definitely will keep the family in my prayers.RIP BIG WAYNE 💜💜💜🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾your good friend Keven Allen
Gwen and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about your Dad. I still remember him taking us to the horse races, which seems like a lifetime ago. May the memories you cherish also bring you peace and comfort during the difficult days that follow.
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Wayne. Always and forever I will remember Mom, Bob, Aunt Nonie, and Uncle Wayne sitting around the kitchen table on Vivian Street playing poker.
Uncle Wayne was always such a true, real person faithful to his Prague, Oklahoma roots.
I have missed you for a long time Uncle Wayne.
Praying for Gwen and the entire family.. I didn’t know, Gwen’s father but she spoke very highly of him. I know he had to be a good man because he raised such a beautiful wonderful and caring daughter Gwen, whom I have had the pleasure of working with, being friends with, and knowing for over 25 years. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Wayne Ellison was a true”Renaissance Man.” His knowledge and interests were so numerous and varied. His stories mesmerizing. His love of his daughters and grandsons unparalleled. In fact it was those stories that kept our dad alive for over 30 years and served as a “touch stone” for my brother and me. He was also one of the very best friends my father and mother ever had and they adored him, as we all did. While there are no words for how he will be missed, my greatest hope is that he is reunited with his brothers and that he and my dad are on the hunt for the greatest gun show they have ever seen.
My good old pal Mr. Wayne Ellison or “Uncle Wayne” as I most often called him in latter years of our longtime friendship! He was my friend, a confidant and a mentor! And he taught me a lot of good things in business dealings and collecting! You are greatly missed my friend! Thank you, rest in peace my friend, you didn’t complain a lot but I know you suffered in pain for several years and I often prayed for relief! You will always be in my heart pal🙏🙏
One of the best men I ever knew. I have great memories that will last me till we meet again. I remember going to the gun show with him as a young man. He made me feel like I was part of things. I wish is that we spent more time together, but life unfortunately doesn’t work that way. I will always remember the man that was bigger than life with a hustle like non other. RIP my dear friend