Cordell “Bodacious” Ellis age 62, of Benton Harbor/Niles, Michigan passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was born in Chicago on August 9, 1963 to the Union of Erma & Rudy Ellis and was the baby of 5 siblings. He was a Class of 1981 graduate of Benton Harbor High School and long-time resident of Benton Heights, Michigan.
Bodacious loved his Family and loved to eat. Before the decline in health, he had a huge passion and love for the game of Softball, playing many years with friend Gary Glass, cousin Willie Dumas, amongst other great men. One of his favorite video games was Triple Play Baseball. Although he never served in the military, he was very compassionate and felt very strong thinking he can out-do everyone in push-ups.
Bodacious was a GOD FEARING man, especially making sure that he prays over every meal before touching it. Bodacious favorite football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers. His favorite sayings were “Keep It Clean, Wit It”, “Main thing, DON’T PANIC!”, and prior to his passing, his favorite saying was, “One Day At A Time!”.
Bodacious has been sober from drinking alcohol since 2005. Although he had some medical issues, he overcame a lot with his warrior spirit.
He is survived by his mother Erma (Wallace) Ellis, sisters, Sharel Ellis, Deanna Ellis, & Cassandra Ellis, all of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Son Di’Andre’ Hureskin of St. Joseph, Michigan, Daughters, Raven Ellis, Alexandria (Zan) Ellis, and Keanna Wright all of Watervliet, Michigan, Special Companion Melinda Boswell of Watervliet, Michigan. He had 10 Grandchildren, and 8 Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of others who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by Grandparents, Alex & Sarah Wallace, Elizabeth & King (Rudolph) Ellis Sr., Father, Rudolph King Ellis Jr. Brother Rudolph Ellis III, nephews Robert “Peco” Johnson & Rasheed Ellis, and Uncles Oscar Wallace, Emmanuel Wallace, Fred Wallace, Floyd Wallace, and W.M William Wallace.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Services
Visitation
Friday
February 20, 2026
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Greater Community Christian Fellowship
870 Nate Wells Sr. Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Funeral Service
Friday
February 20, 2026
11:00 AM
Greater Community Christian Fellowship
870 Nate Wells Sr. Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Interment following funeral service
Friday
February 20, 2026
Crystal Springs Cemetery
1655 E. Napier Ave
Benton Harbor, MI 49022