Although "Orion" (Jimmy Ellis, Orrville, Alabama) never attained the fame he so desperately sought, he was an object of much affection from his loyal fans who constantly supported and encouraged his career. Ellis and his wife were murdered in 1998 during an attempted robbery of their family business in Orrville, and the funeral was attended by many grieving fans from as far away as Canada. Ellis was survived by one son and his family.