AUGUSTA – Troy Michael Ellis, 24, formerly of Winthrop, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

He was born in Augusta on Feb. 18, 1980, the son of Mark W. Ellis and Regina Godfrey Small, of Scarborough and Auburn.

Troy graduated from Winthrop High School, class of 1999. He was a winsome, gentle spirit with a sweet smile for everyone. He was active in high school sports, in Track & Field at Maranacook High School and in football at Winthrop High. He was also an avid sportsman, going fishing and hunting with his father, Mark, as often as they could go.

Most important to Troy, however, was the love of his life, his daughter, Mikayla.

The family will much appreciate the prayers of their family and friends in this most difficult time. Troy’s life and gentle spirit shall be remembered by us all for as long as we live. He will be missed greatly, and yet we were blessed with his life and presence these nearly 25 years, for which we give thanks to our God.

He leaves his daughter, Mikayla, age nearly 5, and her mother, Lindsey Fortier, of Winthrop; his mother and step-father, Gina and Richard Small, and his father and step-mother, Mark and Lee Ann “D.D.” Ellis; his brother, Adam, 20; his step-sister, Christina Small, of Auburn; his maternal grandparents, Albert Sr. and Connie Godfrey, of Winthrop; his paternal grandparents, Ira and Marjorie Ellis, of Readfield; five uncles and one aunt, Albert Godfrey Jr. of Gardiner, Larry Godfrey of South Portland, Jackie Douglas of Poland, John Godfrey of New York, N.Y., Paul Ellis of Gorham, Nathan Ellis of Phoenix, Ariz.; many cousins; and his very close, personal friend and roommate, J.P. Presti, of Augusta.