Thomas "Tommy" Russell Elliott
August 15th,1946 - August 16th, 2025
Age 79

Thomas "Tommy" Russell Elliott was born in San Angelo, Texas August 15th, 1946, at Shannon Memorial Hospital, to parents Berta Lorine "Loraine" Neely, and Wardlaw Jones Elliott.

Tommy spent most of his childhood growing in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas. He attended Leila P. Cowart Elementary, L.V. Stockard Middle School, and Sunset High School graduating in 1965.

After high school, Tommy joined the Army. He was blessed not to see combat, however trained as an NDSM Expert (rifle), and served at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a cook & Executive Chef. Honorably discharged in 1971, Tommy attended classes, alongside his mother Loraine at El Centro College in downtown Dallas.

Tommy moved to UNT in Denton in 1973. He quickly found a job at UNT, as a mover of classroom & school furniture, instead of becoming a scholar. He served UNT for over 30 years. Retiring in 2005.

He loved all things sports. Especially some of his best memories was watching Minor League games. The Dallas Eagles played in Oak Cliff, at his beloved Burnett Field. He also sold popcorn, peanuts & sodas there as a kid.

Another favorite memory was of his dad, who was a bellhop in the early days, got to let him meet Jackie Robinson in one of the hotels Ward Senior/his dad worked.

Tommy was super happy when the "Dallas Eagles" & the "Ft. Worth Panthers" morphed into the "Texas Rangers" in 1971. His 💯 favorite team & thing ever!!

In the 1980's/90's Tommy helped coach the "Denton Boys Baseball" leading to Freshman Division League 1989, and Youth Major Division-1st place 1991.

Tommy loved the State Fair of Texas. He loved the Bee-Gees & the Beatles. He loved his "bestie doggie friend Haley".

Tommy was Saved & found recovery through the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton. He enjoyed the ministry, fellowship, potlucks & the love of God there. He enjoyed setting up & taking down chairs for all of church services.

As his eyesight waned, the church always helped him get to doctors' appointments, and the store.

After covid we learned of his loss of vision. As a family we stepped in. Tommy & Haley were alone, besides the church.

We moved him down to Dallas in January 2023. Despite a valiant effort to remove his cataracts, and treat his glaucoma, Tommy lost the rest of his vision.

God never failed him. He lived with his "best doggie friend" Haley. As his health worsened, wonderful "dog walker" Tiffany was steadfast & made sure Haley was safe, and walked, as Tommy was no longer able. He still loved & cared for Haley but could no longer take 'care' of her. Tiffany has taken in Haley. Tommy was happy knowing Haley had a big yard again!🙏🏻

Tommy had to be moved to an "advanced assisted living" in June.

Tommy had his 79th birthday on Friday August 15th. We took turns visiting him & "birthday-ing" him.

He was tired. God took him home Saturday August 16th. Tommy made almost a perfect circle ⭕️… 79 times around the sun ☀️

Tommy was the youngest of three brothers. Preceded in death, by his two older brothers, Peter Graham Elliott, and Wardlaw Jones Elliott 2nd. Also his loving parents Berta Lorine "Loraine" Neely and Wardlaw Jones Elliott; also, Maternal grandparents Nettie and Andrew Neely. As well as paternal grandparents "grandmother Brown", and Grandfather Mack Elliott.

Tommy is survived by, nieces Amy Elliott, Pamela Elliott Smith, nephew Wardlaw Jones Elliott III, former sister-in-law Lucy Johnson, and his "best doggie friend" Haley.

We would appreciate anyone attending the visitation or graveside services to wear their Texas Rangers ball caps/jerseys/ t-shirts.

Also instead of flowers, please make any donation in Tommy's name to Singing Oaks Church of Christ.

Donate - Singing Oaks Church of Christ
Or
Senior Paws of Denton / Meals on Wheels