Jerry Hassel Ellison, 48, of West Jefferson, died Friday morning. He was the victim of an automobile accident on NC 88 in Creston.

According to information from the Newton office of the NC Highway Patrol, Ellison was traveling east on NC 88 around midnight when his vehicle went off the right shoulder of the road, struck a stump, then struck a tree.

The accident is being investigated by Trooper Paranak. No other information was available by press time.

Ellison was born in Boone in 1960 to the late Sam and Nancy Potter Ellison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, David, Jimmy, and Ronnie Ellison; and a sister, Ella Mae Bare. He was employed as a roofer. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Peace Haven Community Church.

Funeral services were scheduled for 3 p.m. at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel in Jefferson by the Rev. Lloyd Day. The family was to receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Burial is to follow in the Potter-Mains Cemetery in Todd.

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