William Ray Elliott, Sr.

WILLIAM RAY ELLIOTT SR. (Lt. Col, USAF, Ret.), age 93 of Little Rock, died peacefully Saturday morning, Oct. 19, at his home. He was born May 21, 1920 in Springfield, Ill. and was preceded in death by his first wife, Maida Elliott; his son, Dr. John Elliott; two sisters; and one brother. He is survived by his wife, Abbie Harden Elliott; and six children, William Elliott, Jr. (Col, USAF, Ret.) and wife Karen of Lancaster, Calif., Susan Ahrend of Roundrock, Texas, Michael Elliott of Metairie, La., Patricia Lombardo of Conway, Joseph Elliott and wife Terri of Little Rock, and Mary Elliott of Conway. He is also survived by two bonus children, Donald Harden and wife Kay of Jacksonville and T.A. Banja of Jacksonville. He was blessed with 14 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren. As a child, Mr. Elliott accompanied his father while he worked as a timekeeper at the Indianapolis 500, and a favorite memory of his was meeting Charles Lindberg at the St. Louis airport. He had a full career as a pilot for the USAF. This included many years in various weather reconnaissance squadrons as a "hurricane hunter," flying in and out of the eyes of hurricanes. He was known to his friends as "Wild Bill Elliott". He was stationed in many different parts of the world, and at one point was responsible for giving the Shah of Iran instructions on how to operate a B-17 aircraft. He was rewarded with a memorable dinner at a palace for his efforts. After retiring from the Air Force in 1965, he began a second career as an engineer for Orbit Valve Co. He was also a talented pianist, having taught himself at a young age to play by ear, and for years enjoyed entertaining numerous audiences. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 at Arkansas Funeral Care in Jacksonville. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 at the funeral home, with Reverend Franklin Furlough officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, or the Salvation Army. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.