Elliott Edward Dobelstein

Elliott Edward Dobelstein was born on November 5, 1927 and went home to be with Jesus on December 12, 2019. He rejoins his wife Frances, their son Wayne, his parents, his twin brother Robert Erwin, and his sister Edith.

Family members, who will remember Elliott with great love, include his son, Eddie, and his wife Becky; granddaughter, Amy; grandson, Jayson, and his wife Jerri; and great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Micah, Francie, and Ransey. Elliott will be missed by his sister, Dorothea Toney; many nieces and nephews; his special friend, Joy Wagner; and many others of the Town Village Community in Birmingham, Alabama.

Elliott was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut but grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and spent most of his adult years in Pensacola, Florida. He came to Pensacola when he was stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola. He met and married Frances Watts at First Baptist Church Pensacola. After his Navy discharge, they moved to Birmingham where he entered pharmacy school.

Elliott was a 1951 graduate of Howard College, now Samford University, with a degree in Pharmacy. After graduation, he returned to Pensacola and began work with Moulton’s Drugs. He spent his entire career as a pharmacist with that business organization. He loved meeting and serving people through his profession.

Other than his work, much of Elliott’s life was focused on his family and the church. He served First Baptist Pensacola as a deacon for several years. Elliott and Frances taught in youth Training Union. The entire family was a part of the 1971 mission trip to the Dominican Republic. He participated in adult and senior adult choirs and associated mission trips. After losing their son Wayne in 1971, Frances originated the idea of providing a near-life size outdoor nativity set at FBCP in Wayne's memory, and Elliott lovingly maintained it, setting it up annually for 35 plus years.

In 2010, Elliott and Frances moved to Birmingham to be close to family. They immediately found a new church home at Lakeside Baptist where they participated in the choirs and Sunday School as long as they were able.

Elliott loved fishing and always forgot the time when he was out with a net, a line, and a pole. He loved fixing things and always had several projects “in process” in his shop. He especially enjoyed using his handyman skills to help others and to guide children in creating their own masterpieces.

Elliott started playing the harmonica at about age 6. The older he got the better he played — solos, in a band, and for family — but he was best known for lifting up those around him everywhere, even taking requests in waiting rooms, buses, and hallways. He played Happy Birthday by phone to lists of friends and family.

Elliott also loved to dance. He enjoyed ballroom and square dancing with Frances, and they danced until the steps just became holding hands. When she was no longer here to dance with him, he found friends and continued to dance. He had a merry heart. His legacy of faith, work, laughter, and love will always bless our memories.

On Monday, December 16, 2019, a 1:30 p.m. memorial service at Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama will be preceded by a 1 p.m. visitation with the family. A graveside service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to the International Mission Board, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.