WILLIAM ELLIOTT

His Story

William “Bill” Louis Elliott born February 28, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the son of Louis Elliott and   Dorothy Mae Tyson Elliott.

William graduated from Shortridge High School with the class of 1958.  He immediately enlisted in the United States Army, and he volunteered for duty in Vietnam. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an enlisted soldier before demonstrating exceptional leadership and attending Officers Candidate School. William then returned for his third tour as a Captain. For William’s honorable service while in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal.

After being Honorably Discharged from the Army, William embarked upon a career with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). While at the FAA, William had many jobs including Air Traffic Controller and Airway Facility Engineer. As a FAA employee, he was a proud member of the PASS union and played a role in forming the National Black Coalition for Federal Employees.

William “Bill” Louis Elliott departed this life on April 21, 2026.  William was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Louis Elliott; his sister, Elaine Means, and his son, James Edward Dowdell.

He is survived by his wife Diane Elliott; daughters, Chrystal Ratcliffe, Denise Jones and Kimberly Smith; grandchildren, Brooke Ratcliffe, Darren Quarles, Kollin Triggs, Rian McClung, and Troi Kincaid.  He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, and cousins.

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