Funeral takes place for popular Bull Ring market trader
Mar 7 2009 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail
Pictured is the Fish by the markets in the Bullring.
A HUGE turnout is expected for the funeral of one of Birmingham’s most popular market traders.
Friends and family of Frank Ellis, one of the longest serving stallholders at the Bull Ring Markets, will be able to pay their respects at a service in St Martin’s Church, next to the markets, at 1pm, this Monday. Mr Ellis, who began working at the old rag market at the age of 15, died peacefully in his sleep last month, with wife Kath and daughter Bernice at his side, having battled against cancer.
The popular 71-year-old ran a successful fruit and veg business on the outdoor market and also chaired the Open Market Traders Committee which campaigned for stallholders’ rights and raised thousands for charity.
Bernice Ellis said: “The markets have lost a great advocate and there will be a big gap where he stood.
“His funeral will take place at St Martin’s Church and we would like to invite all who knew and loved him to come along or send flowers.
“We want it to be a huge celebration of his life.”
Tributes have poured in from people all over Birmingham who fondly remember Frank’s colourful character.
Brummie historian Carl Chinn said: “Frank worked tirelessly for both the city and the markets and he will be deeply missed.”
