Benjamin Joseph Ellerd III

Benjamin Joseph Ellerd III, 56, of Gainesville, GA, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

Ben had a strong Christian faith. He was a member of 1st Baptist church in Gainesville and regularly attended Brown's Bridge Community Church. After high school he served in the US Army. He had a great love for our Country and was very proud of his service in the armed forces. He attended Dekalb Community College and after graduating, worked in the IT industry - technology and computers. Most recently he was the owner of Workflow Consultants and was an excellent Quick Books advisor and member of the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants.


Ben enjoyed outdoor sports such as golfing and tennis and most recently developed a love for photography and nature. In the past two years, his love of photographing flowers and nature become a favorite past time. He would spend hours hovering over a delicate flower, camera in hand, searching for the perfect image. Ben also was a guitarist and loved music of all kinds.

Ben also had a love for history, biographies, and current events and loved our Country with his whole heart. If he chose a book to read for enjoyment, chances are you'd find him with the biography of Thomas Jefferson, a book about the Vietnam War, or a book about the future of our country.

His proudest accomplishments in life were his children, Benjamin and McKenzie. He was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Those who had the pleasure of knowing the gentle heart and generous spirit of Ben will forever cherish their memories of him.

He is preceded in death by his son, Benjamin Joseph Ellerd, IV and his parents Benjamin Joseph Ellerd, Jr. and Marie Zell Ellerd Lake.

Ben is survived by his beloved daughter, McKenzie Ellerd; wife and long time love, Lesa Hartley, step children Chris Hartley and Erin Reyes; sisters Victoria Agosta and Melissa Dawson; brother, Christopher Ellerd; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 PM Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with inurnment to follow on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 4:00 at Memorial Park Cemetery. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 22nd at the funeral home.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for those who wish, online condolences at http://www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com/.