The City of Rockmart has lost their longtime leader this morning. Jeff Ellis, died this morning due to complications caused by COVID-19.

Ellis, who was City Manager for the past 25 years, was hospitalized for COVID-19 in recent days and had been in ICU. He was 67. He leaves behind a wife, two children and several grandchildren this morning.

Prior to being Rockmart’s City Manager, Ellis served as Fire Chief for the department.

Update: The City of Rockmart provided the following statement earlier this afternoon on Facebook:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved City Manager, Jeff Ellis.

Jeff’s career spanned 40 years with the City of Rockmart as Fire Chief, followed by serving as Public Safety Director and then becoming City Manager in 1995. Jeff led the City during the tremendous growth of the City’s industry sector and the growth of the 278 Hospitality Corridor. Jeff’s proudest achievement was the conversion of his Alma Mater, the former Rockmart High School, into the beautiful City Complex it is today. Jeff’s influence is represented in every City Department.

Jeff leaves behind his wife Ginger, daughter Jennifer and son Matt and several grandchildren. Please keep Jeff’s family in your prayers.

Additional information will follow, and arrangements are being handled by Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home of Rockmart.

Arrangements were already being handled by the funeral home for his brother Gregg, who died on Tuesday at the age of 64.

Last year, Ellis was a guest on Talking Points on Polk.Today to discuss what the city has accomplished over the past years he was City Manager, and what he expected to see coming in the future.

Check back for additional details this morning.