John Albert Ennis

John Albert Ennis, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the age of 83, after a brief stay at Aurora Senior Living of Manokin in Princess Anne. He was born on September 1, 1941, in Delmar, Maryland, a son of the late Rev. Elwyn Ennis and Anna Madeline (Downes) Ennis. He spent most of his life in the close-knit Melsons community, where he will be deeply missed. A proud graduate of Wicomico High School, class of 1960, John Albert excelled in both baseball and gymnastics, demonstrating early on his passion for sports and competition. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated athlete, playing many years in the Eastern Shore Baseball League and the Maryland Fastpitch Softball League where he was affectionately called "King of the Hill." In 1999, he was honored with induction into the Maryland Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame, a testament to his skill and love for the game. In his early days he worked several years at Campbell Soup in Salisbury. From 1982 to 2010, John Albert owned and operated Ennis Garage Door Systems, where his commitment to quality and service earned him the respect and loyalty of many customers in the community. In retirement, he worked part-time at Yoder Overhead Door in Delmar, bringing his career to a close. He was a jack of all trades, known for his ability to fix anything and his unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and especially the elderly. For many years John Albert was an active member at Zion Methodist Church in Salisbury, where he was always willing to help wherever needed. Above all, John Albert's greatest joy came from his family. He cherished his role as a husband, father and grandfather and took immense pride in supporting his family, especially his grandchildren, in their sporting and school endeavors. John Albert had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, finding tranquility in nature as he ran his hunting dogs and pursued quail in the fields he loved. His adventurous spirit and warm heart left an indelible mark on all who knew him. John Albert is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Beverly R. (Bergeron) Ennis, who he married on September 8, 1961; his children, Richie D. Ennis and wife Tammy and Lisa Michelle Stafford and husband Tom; his grandchildren, Ryan and Reagan Ennis, Trey Stafford and wife Mandy, Tayt Stafford and Tanna Stafford; and his sisters, Mary Louise Kerley and Carolyn Campbell. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Della Moore; brothers-in-law, Maurice Campbell and Kenneth Kerley; and nephew, Jay Kerley. Funeral services for John Albert Ennis will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 12:00 to 1:00. Interment will follow in Melsons Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Delmar Little League, P.O. Box 518, Delmar, DE 19940 to support youth baseball and softball programs, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the development of young athletes. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

John Albert Ennis

September 1, 1941 - April 26, 2025