Michael John Nellis passed away peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida, on April 29, 2026, at the age of 79, after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was born on November 2, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, to Raymond James Nellis and Lucy Lee Strahle Nellis.

During the Vietnam War, Mike joined the U.S. Army in honor of following in his father’s footsteps. He completed Officer Candidate School, Class 508-68, as well as the Field Artillery Officer Vietnam Orientation Course, Class 11-69, at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Following his military service, Mike built a distinguished career in law enforcement, eventually rising to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police for the West Lake Hills Police Department, an affluent community near Austin, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement from Southwest Texas State University and continued advancing his professional education throughout his career.

Mike held a Master Peace Officer and Instructor License through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLOSE) and was also an NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He received additional certifications from the Texas Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy, Texas County Sheriff’s Academy, Bexar County Sheriff Academy, Travis County Sheriff’s Academy, Texas War on Drugs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Security Officer Academy, the Office of the Attorney General, and Calibre Press, Inc.

Mike later founded two successful businesses: Austin Property Insurance Claims Service and Austin Concealed Handgun Training School. In 2014, he retired to Florida, where he became an active member of the Disabled American Veterans.

In 1988, Mike married Elizabeth Alocillo, a college professor and accountant from the Philippines. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and adventure. They traveled to 27 countries and 27 U.S. states, creating countless memories along the way. Mike had a passion for cruising, target shooting, driving muscle cars, music, movies, dining out, comedy and Broadway shows, and live concerts. Above all, he cherished his role as a father and grandfather. One of his greatest joys was traveling across the country to spend time babysitting his grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Elizabeth Alocillo; his son, Jonathan Nellis, and daughter-in-law, Megan Gámez; his beloved grandchildren, Liam and Noah; his sisters, Marie Saunders, Patty Radzik, and Joannie Ensz; his brother, Chris Nellis; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond James Nellis and Lucy Lee Strahle Nellis, and his brother, William Nellis.

A service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Road, San Antonio, Texas. A military burial with honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas.

Those wishing to honor Mike’s memory may make donations to DAV Chapter 108, Attn: Commander Ed Hawkins, P.O. Box 152257, Cape Coral, FL 33915.