Carl Ellis was born April 15, 1951, in Italy, Texas, to the parentage of Cornelius Matthew St. and Sarah Pegues. He completed his primary education at John F. Kennedy High School before pursuing higher education in Dallas. He accepted his lord and savior at an early age of life.

In 1975, he married Marie Charles Williams. During their marriage, they joyfully welcomed three remarkable children: LaShonda McGrew, Carl D. Arnold, and Charles Arnold, each a testament to their enduring love and commitment to family.

Carl was employed by Neiman Marcus as a truck driver for 45 years and retired in 2016.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah D. Arnold, his father, Cornelius Matthew Arnold Sr., and his loving brother, Cornelius Matthew Arnold.

Those left to continue his lineage are Marie Arnold, his wife of 50 years, his daughter LaShonda McGrew (Michael), son Carl D Arnold, son Charles R Arnold, granddaughter Kiana Dempster (Davante), Mykal McGrew, great-grandson Kai Dempster, sister-in-law Joyce Arnold, two nieces Chantavia and Mikoyan Arnold and their families. Furthermore, he leaves behind a multitude of cousins and friends whose lives he profoundly impacted. His legacy, a testament to his character and values, will continue to resonate with all who knew him, ensuring his influence lives on.