Mr. Azriah Ellerbe III, beloved son of the late Azriah Ellerbe II and Marie Ellerbe, was born on Jan. 28, 1934 in Rockingham, North Carolina. He peacefully transitioned from this life on Oct. 12, 2025 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, North Carolina.
From a young age, Azriah was a devoted member of Mount Pisgah AME Zion Church, where his faith and service were unwavering. He began his education at Leak Street School, where he discovered a passion for basketball. After graduating, he pursued higher education at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, earning a degree in Elementary Education in 1958.
Azriah served on the Board of Directors at Richmond Memorial Hospital, currently Richmond County FirstHealth, and Board of Directors for United Carolina, later renamed as BB&T. He was the owner and operator of Ellerbe & Associates, and AE Homes, Inc. He was always known as a hardworking businessman, helpful to others, and always sharing words of wisdom.
Azriah proudly began his teaching career at Ashley Chapel School in Rockingham, later continuing at Wadesboro Middle School. His dedication to education and athletics led him to Samarkand Training School, where he served as a physical education teacher and coached both football and basketball. His commitment spanned an impressive 50 years, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.
He is survived by his children: Azriah Ellerbe IV of Fayetteville; Terri Ellerbe-Graves of Huntersville; Joseph (Kim) Ellerbe of Matthews; and Jonathan Keith (Sabrina) Ellerbe of Rockingham. He also leaves behind his cherished godson, the Rev. DK Ferguson (Kronski) of Charlotte.
Azriah’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren —Adrian J. (Sarah) Ellerbe, Atashiana L. Ellerbe, Kaitlyn M. Ellerbe, Joshua E. Ellerbe, Justus I. Ellerbe, Rahqail Kriven, Corbin Ellerbe and D.K. Ferguson Jr. — and his treasured great-granddaughter, Iana F. Ellerbe.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at Mount Pisgah AME Zion Church, 1015 Leak St., Rockingham. Visitation will be from noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Public viewing will be Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, noon until 5 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 1021 E. Washington St., Rockingham.
Online condolences may be made by visiting nelsonfuneralservice.com. Nelson Funeral Service is serving the family.
