Lewis Earl "Tommy" Elliott

Lewis Earl (a.k.a. “Tommy”) Elliott passed from this life on October 7, 2021 at the Baptist Hospital in Olive Branch, MS.  He had been admitted to the hospital for severe cellulitis and was improving, but unexpectedly his heart simply stopped from natural causes.  He was age 90 and was born on January 12, 1931 in Florida.  To his family he was always known as “Uncle Tommy.”

          Uncle Tommy had spent decades living in the Conroe, TX area.  Before retiring, he was employed as a chemist for a construction company.  He had built with his own hands a nice brick house and a shop.  He enjoyed working, traveling, and learning new things.

          In the last year of life, Uncle Tommy became increasingly disabled and was generally confined to a wheel chair and his home.  He moved to Senatobia, MS to the Providence Personal Care assisted living facility.  There he was cared for by his niece, Peggy D. Shepherd and a very fine staff.  We are grateful to Vergie Ellington, Mary Cohn, and Deborah Warriner for providing years of excellent care and assistance to Uncle Tommy while he lived in Conroe, TX.

          Uncle Tommy is survived by a sister, Vera Jean Pollitt of Pensacola, FL and a brother, John Elliott of Pensacola.  His mother was Callie Mae (Jernigan) Elliott and his father was Jack Elliott, of Milton, FL.  He also had a large number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

          Uncle Tommy was extremely proud of his Army service record.  He joined the Army at age 15 by lying about his age.  He initially was in the 82^nd Airborne Paratrooper division.  When his actual age was discovered, he was moved to support units and became a cook.  He advanced quickly in rank, and was honorably discharged with the rank of major.  He served in both World War II and in the Korean War.  Uncle Tommy was fond of relating tales of his military years and travels across the world.  He was usually seen wearing a cap with some Army insignia on it. 

          We found Uncle Tommy to be an interesting and engaging man to talk to.  His standard reply when asked, “How are you doing?” was to say forcefully, “I am GREAT!”  We will miss his wry smile, jolly laugh, and funny stories.  He was loved, and he was a part of our lives.  We were blessed to have him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lewis Earl "Tommy" Elliott, please visit our floral store.