So sad to hear the news this morning. Special man. Loved the club
Jim White
However, he was well known for axing managers during his time at Villa Park, earning the nickname ‘Deadly Doug’.
Ellis was chairman to 14 managers throughout his spells with the Midlands club.
He also rebuilt most of Villa Park during his tenure, with the club revealing the Doug Ellis Stand.
The entrepreneur had a short career as a footballer, with Ellis spending two years as a schoolboy at Tranmere Rovers.
Doug Ellis: Aston Villa hailed their former chairman (Image: TWITTER)
Doug Ellis had two spells as Villa chairman (Image: GETTY)
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Ellis made his money by selling package holidays to Spain.
The ex-Villa chairman, a father to three children, was knighted in 2012 for his services to charity.
Tributes have poured in for Ellis following the sad news of his passing.
Aston Villa tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former chairman Sir Doug Ellis.”
Villa have also confirmed a minute’s silence will take place at Villa Park next Saturday before the Championship side face Swansea.
Doug Ellis was chairman to 14 managers (Image: GETTY)
Doug Ellis was hailed by Jim White (Image: TWITTER)
One Villa fan said: “RIP sir Doug Ellis. You had your critics but the club always came first.
“A true gent when we met years ago, thanks for the memories of great days at villa park.”
Another added: “RIP the legend who saved our club, DOUG ELLIS. You LEGEND. Boyhood Villa Fan! #AVFC #Ellis.”
“He had a wonderful love hate relationship with the fans, but he always did what he thought was best for the club he loved to the end. RIP Doug Ellis. #AVFC,” added another supporter.
“So sad to hear the news this morning that former @AVFCOfficial chairman Sir Doug Ellis had died. Was with him at the Club Awards Night back in April. Special man. Loved the Club,” Sky Sports’ Jim White said.