One of Cherokee County’s most prominent citizen’s has passed away at the age of 58.

Mr. Bert Shattuck Ellis, better known to one and all as simply “Shad” – passed away Sunday, January 31st at Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.

Shad was a huge advocate for Weiss Lake, and was instrumental in environmental efforts to keep the lake clean.

He was responsible for getting Renew Our Rivers started in Cherokee County, and he was a founding member and past president of the Weiss Lake Improvement Association.

Shad was a past president of the Centre Rotary Club and the County Chamber of Commerce.

He was a native of Cherokee County a 1976 graduate of Cherokee County High School and a 1980 graduate of Auburn University. Shad was owner of Associates Realty in Centre and a member of Centre First Baptist Church.

WEIS Radio spoke with Carolyn Landrem of the Weiss Lake Improvement Association early Friday morning. She and Shad worked on a variety of projects over the years, and we asked her to share her thoughts on his passing.

A memorial service will be held Saturday (February 6th) at 3:00pm, at Perry Funeral Home – the family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:30pm at the funeral home.