Drewery, Ellis Warren
Ellis Warren Drewery began his earthly journey on Dec 5, 1942 in Roanoke, Virginia and traveled to his final destination on Friday, July 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. He was the oldest of 5 boys from the union of the late Ellis S. and Fern Elaine (Warren) Drewery.
He lived the first 10 years of his life in Tuskegee, Alabama. There he attended St. Joseph’s elementary school. After his parents divorced, his mother and her 5 boys moved to Blacksburg, VA to live with his grand mother
Arriving in Blacksburg, VA in 1952, Ellis finished his Elementary schooling and went on to enter High school at Christiansburg Industrial Institute (CII). He played basketball and learned how to cut hair. He became a master barber and graduated in the class of 1961.
Being raised by a single parent, who was receiving a total of $100.00 per month child support for 5 boys, Ellis, being the eldest son wanted to help his family. He went to work in his uncle’s barber shop cutting only “white peoples’” hair. Although, all the barbers were black, Black people were not allowed to get their hair cut in that barber shop. Ellis became the most successful barber in the shop.
He saved his money and in 1964 built a brand new house for his mother and siblings. The Civil Rights movement was heating up and Ellis was heavily involved with the civil rights movement in town.
In 1971, he and his youngest late brother James (2023) moved to Los Angeles, CA. Ellis had a talent for singing, his favorite singer was Johnny Mathis. When Ellis first arrived in LA, he used to hang out a lot at CBS studios, where he personally met and took photographs with many of the up and coming celebrities. Eventually, in 1973 he moved to an apartment near Marina Del Rey, CA where he resided for over 40 years.
In 1983, he was introduced to the field of Nutrition and decided to become a strict vegetarian. He created his own product and started his own company, “Balance Plus”. He became known as the “Pudding Man”
After the passing of his mother in 1993, which was the last and only time that he ever came back to Blacksburg, VA, he became interested in his family history. He became an author and wrote a book about his findings.
In the winter of 2008, after being single for 65 years, it was quite a shock when news came that he was married. Ellis married Charito P. Longanilla on September 11, 2008 and did not tell anyone about it. They were married for 16 years.
Ellis loved Los Angeles, he did not want to live anywhere else. He did not desire to travel anywhere. Ellis loved meeting and talking to new people. Introducing them to a history that they had never heard about in school and telling them all about his puddings and why they should be eating it. He was unique and special.
Cherishing his memory are many friends. Ellis is survived by his wife Charito, his step children Cherena, Kent and Dayren Longanilla, his son Greg Keys, his 3 loving brothers, John Franklin, Beverly Bernard and Carl Davis Drewery. 7 grandchildren, 10 nephews and nieces, 25 grand nephews and nieces.
I shall pass through this world but once
Any good, therefore, that I can do,
Or any kindness that I can show
To any human being,
Let me do it now. Let me
Not defer it or neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again.
A Memorial Service will be conducted Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 11:00 am in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel.
