January 15, 1946––September 23, 2020
William “Bill” Elliott died courageously at the age of 74 after a long struggle with multiple health issues. At the moment of his death, his wife of 53 years was by his side––as she has always been.
He will be known for his hearty and contagious laughter, independent spirit, devotion as husband and father, and for his reverence for his John Deer mower. Bill was a compassionate man who wanted to make life better for those he met. He had a unique ability to see the potential in things––to look past what is and imagine what could be. He was a dreamer who also had a pragmatic nature.
Dad was born in Colorado City, Texas on January 15, 1946. His most vivid memories were working on a tractor and coaxing Jack Rabbits with beloved uncle Luther and evenings spent enrapt by grandmother Ara’s stories about “mad” dogs. The West Texas values of self-reliance and loyalty to family remained central themes in his life.
His step-father moved the family to Baytown, Texas for more steady work. In middle and high school, he excelled as an athlete: setting a record for the 100 yard dash; running in one of the fastest relay teams in the Junior Olympics; winning a city championship in Little League baseball; and propelling his 7th grade football team (as the starting quarterback) to a 60-0 victory over their arch-rival. During the summers, he worked as a framing carpenter’s helper which sparked his interest in building and design. Bill graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, went on to attend classes at Lee College, and served in the United States Air Force Reserve.
He married Annette Porter in 1969, they had their first son in 1971, and shortly after, moved to Dallas to start their new life together and pursue an opportunity in the interior design industry. Nearly as soon as they arrived and bought their home, his employer unexpectedly closed the store. Undeterred, Bill’s response was to start his own business (out of their new home) with Annette (now expecting their second son) making custom draperies. After a career in sales and home improvement, he earned his real estate license to pursue a life-long dream of fixing up homes. In everything Bill did, profit was not the primary motivator, he cared most about helping people so that they might realize their potential.
In retirement, he and Annette moved to Austin to be close to their sons Mark and Mycal. He cherished “the boys” more than anything. They spent precious time together. Despite his health challenges, he kept himself busy and remained optimistic and upbeat. In the last year, he developed a deer watching hobby which seemed to give him a wondrous amount of peace. There is a mythology about deer. They symbolize devotion, individualism, compassion, love, and a connection to the supernatural. Some see them as messengers from people one is familiar with. Maybe Luther and Ara were calling him home.
Our hearts are broken, but we will treasure the memories, keep the faith, remember the lessons he taught us, share the love he gave us with others, and keep moving forward as he did.
He is preceded in death by mother Joyce Shelton, step-father Mason Shelton, and father William Reed Elliott, Sr. Bill is survived by wife Annette Elliott and sons Mark and Mycal Elliott; Half-brothers Tim, Bobby, and Kenny Elliott; Half-sisters Rita McAlvain and Brenda Elliott; sister-in-laws Connie Porter, Betty Martin (Wayne); brother-in-laws Don Hollaway, Bill Hollaway (Carol); multiple nieces and nephews and precious friends.
In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations to St. Jude Hospital or Helping Hand Home for Children.
