Charles Keith Elliott

Charles “Keith” Elliott, 93, died peacefully Sunday morning, June 15th, at his home in Wildwood, FL. Keith was born May 6, 1932 in Albion, IL to Kelsey and Bertha Elliott. He lived a long and full life and touched the lives of many others. In the late 1940’s he traveled playing clarinet in big bands. In 1952 he was ordained into ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Albion, IL. He graduated from Eureka College and The College of the Bible, now Lexington Theological Seminary. He faithfully served the Church for 72 years, including congregations in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, and Alabama. He joined the US Naval Reserves in 1963, serving as a Chaplain and retiring as a Captain in 1992. Keith was married to Shirley Jean Nichols for 59 years until her death in 2013. Together they reared 4 children: David Stanley, Teresa Jean, Sharon Jane, and Mary Elizabeth. Keith loved to travel, especially in an RV. Photographing those places and the special things that grew there was a gift. Keith always found a connection with the people he met, often by inquiring “Where’d you grow up?” He was a prolific storyteller and loved to recall the places he traveled and the people he met. For the last 8 years of his life, Keith was blessed to find love a second time with Mary Martain. Keith loved music and especially Mary’s piano-playing. Keith loved his family, including 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Kelsey and Bertha Elliott, his wife Shirley, his son David, daughters Teresa and Sharon, and grandson Trey. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Mary Beth Harper (husband Terry), son-in-law JR Soard, grandchildren Deanna, Bryan, Josh, Jessica, Shannon, Peter, Aaron, Sarah, his great-grandchildren, step-children Rick, Jamie, Risa, Tim, and many, many friends. Without a doubt we know Keith arrived in heaven to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” to which he probably replied, “So Peter, where’d you grow up?”

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 21st at 2:00 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 6900 Warm Springs Blvd., Wildwood, FL 34785.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Christian Church of Wildwood or The Retreat at Silver Springs, 6455 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488