University opened, featuring a new sports hall and squash courts. This work was partly funded by Ellis. Also in 2012, Ellis donated £10,000 to the building of a new school gymnasium at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. In his letter to the school, he wrote: "You clearly have a school to be proud of … and I wish you every success in achieving your goal". On 4 March 2012, Ellis was knighted for his charity work. He died on 11 October 2018, aged 94. References 1924 births 2018 deaths Derby County F.C. directors Aston Villa F.C. directors and chairmen Birmingham City F.C. directors and chairmen Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. directors and chairmen People from Cheshire West and Chester Knights Bachelor Officers of the Order of the British Empire Fleet Air Arm personnel of World War II People associated with Aston University Military personnel from Cheshire