William Braden “Bill” Elliott age 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2020, while under hospice care, surrounded by family in Avon Lake, Ohio following a short illness.
Bill was born on May 8, 1944, to Bill and Charlotte Elliott in New Rochelle, New York. He was raised primarily in Westlake, Ohio and graduated from Westlake High School on June 6, 1963. He went on to Miami University for a year before joining the Marine Corps on November 9, 1964. He proudly served his country as an Intelligence Analyst. He was stationed a year in Iceland then a year in Vietnam, where he was awarded several medals of honor; including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal before being honorably discharged home on September 21, 1970. He went on to finish his degree in accounting at Tri-C.
Bill married his high school sweetheart Gayle Ann Jindra, on April 28
th
, 1966, and honeymooned in Hawaii, while he was on leave from the Marine Corps. They eventually made their home in Avon, Ohio, where they raised their three children. He worked as an accountant, then later followed his self-taught passion and started his own remodeling business. He and Gayle moved to Vermilion, Ohio to spend their retirement years.
Bill was an avid reader and Cleveland Indians fan. He even played little league baseball as a child. He participated in many activities such as remodeling projects, gardening, shooting pool, swimming, bird watching, weightlifting, watching movies with his wife and grandchildren, spending time with family and friends at cookouts, and grilling out. He enjoyed taking trips to Amish Country, family vacations to Catawba and Linwood Beach, Vermilion, Lake Erie Islands, New York, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, and spending time at the beach or antiquing with his wife. He used his Google Mini to listen to the oldies and to keep up with current events on talk radio shows. He especially loved reminiscing about his childhood, the many pets that he had over the years, and life’s memories that he shared with his family and friends.
He is survived by his three children; Michelle (Frank) Vanthoor of Bay Village, Kristin (Scott) Mitchell of Avon, William “Bo” Elliott of Avon; grandchildren, Zackary, Alyssa, Cole and McKenzie; sisters, Gaye (Tony) Magaletta of Congers, New York, Lynn (Jerry) Witkowski of Westlake; brother, Jim Elliott of Bay Village; sister-in-law, Patricia (Jim) Adams of Fairview Park; brother-in-law, Bill (Robin) Jindra of Oberlin; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Ann Elliott (December 13, 2018); mother and father-in-law, George and Mary Jindra of Avon, Ohio; brother-in-law, Homer Cage of Avon Lake, Ohio; and niece, Dawn Magaletta Fitzgerald of Pepper Pike, Ohio.
Bill’s family would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the many expressions of love, support and sympathy during these recent days. Thank you all so very much.
Special mention to the staff at the Avenue Assisted Living, Cleveland Clinic Neuro ICU/Rehab, Main Street Care Center, The Cleveland Sight Center and The Veterans Administration, for the kindness and compassion shown to Bill while under their care.
When someone you love becomes a memory. The memory becomes your treasure.
Your heart will go on in ours, as we treasure and cherish the many beautiful memories of you. We love you and will see you again soon.
Close family and friends will be invited by the immediate family to a Celebration of Life, on a date yet to be determined.
Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Condolences and special memories may be shared at
https://www.heritagecremationsociety.com/
Heritage Cremation Society
440.892.3342