Ellis Bateman, age 73, of Canton, GA, formerly of Conyers, GA, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ellis passed after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rebecca Collier Bateman, his son James Ellis Bateman, of Auckland, NZ; his daughter Rebecca Kathleen Bateman Vadasy of Alpharetta, GA; his son William Michael Bateman of Roswell, GA, and his Granddaughter Kathryn Elizabeth McKie of McDonough, GA.

Ellis graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, GA in 1960 then from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management in 1963, then from Georgia State University with a master of Business Administration in 1967. He spent his career working for the State of Georgia retiring as Assistant State Superintendent of Schools.

Ellis always had the school children of Georgia in his heart and worked to develop the formula for funding the Quality Basic Education Act that still stands with minor modifications today, after thirty-two years. He was a career long champion for good quality education for all of Georgia's children.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28 at 11:00 AM at the South Canton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wayne Smith officiating. Interment to follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the South Canton Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 27 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Wednesday, January 28, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Hickory Flat United Methodist Church. 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA. 30115

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com