Maurice W. Elliott

Maurice Wallner Elliott, a revered healthcare leader, devoted family man, and lifelong champion of service to others, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Germantown, Tennessee. He was 85. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to James Lloyd and Myra Taylor Elliott. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University in 1961, while serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, followed by an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1963. He then embarked on a distinguished, decades-long career in healthcare administration, most notably as Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Healthcare. From his early days as a night administrator at Baptist Memorial Hospital, where he famously announced the death of Elvis Presley, to leading Methodist through unprecedented growth, Maurice's career was defined by vision, integrity, and a deeply personal commitment to community well-being. Under his leadership, Methodist became one the largest hospital systems in the U.S. and was nationally recognized for its quality, diversity, and innovative care. In 2001, he was named CEO Emeritus, a title he held with humility and continued purpose, mentoring the next generation of leaders. Maurice's service extended well beyond his profession. He chaired or served on numerous civic and corporate boards including the Tennessee Hospital Association, Leadership Memphis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Memphis, and the Methodist Healthcare Foundation. He was a tireless advocate for education and health, serving as a professor, advisor, and benefactor to countless institutions, including the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee. He married Elizabeth "June" Everett in 1961. They built a life filled with love, based on respect and shared purpose. After June's passing, Maurice (known affectionately as "Poppy") found strength in the enduring closeness of family. He is survived by his children Scott (Tara), Claire (Chris), and his beloved grandchildren Taylor, Ben, Sarah, and Elliott. He was a cherished brother to the late Rodney Elliott, Bridget McDonald, and Dana Doran, and a proud uncle and great-uncle to many. He was preceded in death by his wife June and son Brent, whom he missed every day. In his free time, he sought connection with others. His passions included tennis, scuba diving, skiing, motorcycle riding, poker, and golf-all enjoyed with those he loved. For fifty years, he met with friends for his monthly poker game. Up until a week before his passing, he frequently played golf with his son, Scott. During their last round, he had three birdies and shot even par. People have shared innumerable stories of his goodwill as he offered help in times of need and boosted those around him with his natural positivity. Near the end of his life, "remarkable" seemingly became his favorite word, as he sought to praise everyone, even for the most mundane acts. In both deed and word, he was kind. In a note left to his family, Maurice wrote, "I would like to be remembered as a person who was generous in helping others, a person who had empathy for those with problems, a person who loved his family greatly." He will be remembered exactly as he wished, for his unwavering kindness, steady leadership, and the countless lives he made better through compassion and grace. A celebration of life will be held in the future with details to come. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Healthcare Foundation, Synergy Treatment Center, or a worthy cause of one's choice.