Earnest W. "Bill" Ely, Jr.

Earnest W. “Bill” Ely, Jr., 79, of New Providence, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Rose City Nursing & Rehab.

Born and raised in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Earnest W. and Betty R. (Metzger) Ely, Sr. He was the loving husband of Carol S. (Williams) Ely.

Bill was a 1965 graduate of Penn Manor High School. He worked as a custodian for the Lancaster School District for 37 years before retiring. Bill enjoyed bowling and fishing, and he especially loved spending time with his family. His faith was an important part of his life. He loved the Lord and enjoyed listening to the Bible and hymns. He was a member of Grace Church at Willow Valley and faithfully served in many ways at several churches throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Earnest “Billy” Ely III; and his sisters, Cathy Shissler, Carol Findley, and Susan Ezard.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alberta Fuller.

Friends and family will be received for a time of visitation from 9:30AM to 11AM on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Grace Church at Willow Valley, 300 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 11AM. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bill’s name to Grace Church at Willow Valley at the address listed above.