GREENSBORO - Oscar Emmett Elliott, Jr., also known as "Bill", joined his heavenly Father and beloved wife, Louise, on July 16, 2012 after a lengthy and courageous battle with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). He was a loving husband, father of two children, brother, uncle, grandfather of two, great-grandfather of five boys, and friend to many.
Bill Elliott was born in Richlands, VA on June 27, 1922 to Oscar Emmett and Della Counts Elliott. He grew up in southwest Virginia, where he met and married his lifelong soul mate of 65 years, Louise Greever, in 1943. After graduating from Bland High School, he attended Bluefield College before leaving to serve our country during WWII at which time he joined the Army as an Infantry Basic and Ranger. Later he served in the Air Corps Air Crew as a radio mechanic, gunner for B-17s and B-29s, and flew sub patrol duty with pilot rank as a Master Sergeant. Bill will always be remembered as a patriot for his country.
Because of war, education was put on hold, but as soon as Bill returned from the service, he enrolled in UNC-Chapel Hill, and graduated in 1950 with a B. A. in Journalism. He began his newspaper career in Bluefield, W VA as Sports Editor, where he worked for 7 years. In 1957 Bill moved his family to Greensboro, NC, spending the remainder of his newspaper career working for The Greensboro Record. This was the afternoon paper until 1986, when it joined the morning paper to become the News & Record. The positions Bill filled at the "Record" were Assistant State Editor, State Editor, Assistant Managing Editor and Managing Editor. Being an expert wordsmith Bill enjoyed reporting the news with a flare. He retired in April, 1986 after a full career of writing and a job well done.
Bill was a member of First Lutheran Church in Greensboro for over 55 years, serving in a variety of capacities. He enjoyed driving the bus for Faceout, delivering Mobile Meals, ushering on Sunday mornings, and participating in the former Johansen Sunday School Class. Evenings at home would find him listening to his Cinncinati Reds play ball on his transistor radio. Carolina football and basketball also found an avid fan through Bill's support. After retiring Bill and Louise enjoyed traveling together with good friends for a total of 20 trips to many parts of the U.S. and the world, including the Carribean, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, British Isles, Greece, Canada, Costa Rica, and the Scandanavian countries.
Bill is predeceased by his wife, Louise, parents, and brother, Julian R. Elliott, formerly of the Richmond, VA area. Left to cherish his memory are daughter, Beth Elliott Marschall and husband, Gary; son, John Martin Elliott and wife, Ronda; grand-daughters, Meredith Marschall Uber and husband, Peter and Joy Marschall Morgan and husband, Jonathan; great-grandsons, Marschall, Garrett, and Braxton Uber, and Seth and Joel Morgan; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Greever Shumate and Joan Elliott; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at First Lutheran Church on Saturday afternoon, July 21, 2012, at 4 p.m. The family will receive guests in the parlor following the service. A private family interment with military honors will be held at Westminster Gardens.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
