Robert Franklin Ellington Col USAF (Ret)

Colonel USAF (Ret.), 85, took his final flight at South Florida Baptist Hospital in

Plant City, FL on February 28, 2018 with his family at his side. Col. Ellington was

born in East Ellijay, GA on May 1, 1932. While attending North Georgia College in

Dahlonega, GA for two years, he was drawn to the Air Force Aviation Cadet program

in 1951. He became a pilot qualified in at least five single-to-multiple-engine

aircraft. His career included three years with the United Nations Command in Jerusalem,

flying a C-47 as the Command Pilot for the U.N. Military component as well

as a tour with the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. As a veteran of the Vietnam

War, he served with the 834th Air Division and toured with the 315th Air Commando

Wing unit whose mission was to support Special Forces ground troops.

Col. Ellington was one of ten founding members of the Airlift/Tanker (A/TA)

Association. In 1969, Col. Ellington played a key role in organizing a reunion of

those who had served with the 834th Air Division in Vietnam, from which emerged the Airlift

Association and its successor, the Airlift/Tanker Association. As a founding member, Col. Ellington

continued to actively support the organization for over 49 years, including serving as its

president from 1969 to 1982 and as chairman from 1983-1985. This coming October will be the

50th anniversary of the A/TA Association.

As part of his officer training, Col. Ellington graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College,

the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and National Security Management College. He

also trained as an Air Force aeronautical engineer and was Director of Command and Control,

Department of Defense Airlift Systems (which includes Air Force One) at Scott AFB, Illinois, at

the time of his retirement. Among the many commendations Colonel Ellington earned during

his military career, they include the Bronze Star Meritorious Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service

Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, U.N Service Medal, Expeditionary Force Medal, Legion of

Merit, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam

Champaign Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also

a member of the Daedalians, a chosen group of military pilots that served our country and promote

patriotism. Following his extensive and rewarding military career, Col. Ellington continued

to share his experience and knowledge through several years of consulting in the aerospace

design industry until his permanent retirement in 2000.

Col. Ellington is survived by his wife, Patricia; six children, Mike Ellington, Steve Ellington, Ann

Pasquino, Lisa Graham, Charlene Yelton, Shannon Gordon; nine grandchildren; and his brother,

Edward Ellington who currently resides in Ellijay, GA. A Celebration of Life service will be held

Saturday, March 17, at 2 pm at Stowers Funeral Home in Brandon. Burial with full military honors

will be on Monday, March 19 at 11 am, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of

flowers, the family request that contributions be made online to the A/TA Scholarship Fund in

Col. Ellington’s name at https://www.atalink.org