Dr. Ronald James Elliott

Born March 16, 1935, in Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Elliott was the youngest of seven children. Son of Nora Stevens Elliott and David Onslow Elliott, he was a graduate of Dreher High School and a 1955 graduate of the University of South Carolina before earning his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He was a veteran, proudly serving his country as Lieutenant in the US Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

For decades, Dr. Elliott faithfully served generations of patients throughout the Columbia area with compassion, skill and dedication. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a remarkable gift for making people laugh. During his lifetime, he enjoyed numerous hobbies including golf, tennis, reading, playing bridge, drinking J&B and following the South Carolina Gamecocks.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Pendarvis Pogue Elliott, his four children: Ronald James Elliott Jr. (Elin), Richard McKenzie Elliott (Beth), Laurie Elliott Cone (Gene O), Leigh Elliott Murphy (Kip), his two step children: Betsy Pogue Hutton (Larry), Richard Coleman Pogue (Clair); his older brother, Thomas (Tom) Elliott and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased in death by his first wife, Jane McKenzie Elliott, the mother of his children.

Dr. Elliott will be remembered not only for his distinguished career as a physician, but also for his unwavering commitment to his family, his patients and his community.

The family expresses their thanks to the staff and the wonderful caregivers at The Blake and NHC-Palmettos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or any charitable organization of one’s choice in his memory.

Visitation with the family will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 11-12:30 pm followed by a graveside burial at Greenlawn at 1:00 pm.