Ellis served as Research Professor of Theology Emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, joining the institution in 1985.
Ellis served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946.
Following he completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Virginia in 1950, with concentrations in law, economics, political science and history.
Two years later, he was awarded with a PhD degree from the University of Edinburgh.
Tradition and Interpretation in the New Testament: Essays in Honor of E. Earle Ellis for His 60th Birthday included contributions from C. K. Barrett, Richard N. Longenecker, I. Howard Marshall, C. F. D. Moule, F. F. Bruce, and Peder Borgen.