Curtis Burke Ellerbe, 81, of Sanford, Florida passed away on Wednesday June 29, 2016. Mr. Ellerbe was born on September 21, 1934 in Bushnell, Florida. His survivors include children Laura and Williams, daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and grandson Raymond. After serving his country in the Navy, Mr. Ellerbe worked as a court reporter during his entire professional life. As a court reporter, he worked for Seminole County and also for the Department of Professional Regulation. He was beloved and respected in the community of Sanford. He was also involved with and supported All Souls Catholic Church, and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. Though he worked hard at his business, he mostly enjoyed spending time with his family. Activities he enjoyed were spending time with his daughters, food, gardening, fishing, and playing his beloved baby grand piano. Mr. Ellerbe lived his life by his own rules, which is exactly why his life was full of joy and purpose. Throughout Mr. Ellerbe's life, he enjoyed making people laugh, and his sense of humor stayed with him each day of his life. In his 60's he retired and enjoyed a quiet life at home. During retirement, his favorite activities were sitting in his front porch, and interacting with his neighbors. In his 70's, he became an adoptive father to Williams, a role that filled his last decade of life with purpose and joy.


In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Mr. Ellerbe's honor to The Center, at http://www.thecenterorlando.org .