David Joe Elliott

David Joe Elliott, 87, of Fate, Texas, passed away on July 8, 2025, in Rockwall, Texas. David was born in 1937 in Harlan, Kentucky, to Delbert and Dorothy Elliott (Mann). He grew up in Middlesboro and attended Middlesboro High School, where a football injury in his sophomore year became a defining family story. After breaking his arm during a game, his parents-with little money or resources-fashioned a homemade sling, and David never returned to school. Still, his determination and drive would take him further than anyone imagined.
At age 17, David enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning what would become a distinguished 21-year military career. David's path in the military was nothing short of remarkable. Though he never completed high school, he pursued his education while serving, attending night classes at Florida Southern University to earn his bachelor's degree. From 1966 to 1967, he served at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam which was described as something akin to the television series MASH. David had the monumental task of maintaining and procuring all the medical supplies and blood products needed to keep the operation running without delay. The wounded would be flown in from the North to the Air Evacuation Station, triaged and hopefully stabilized before being sent on for further care. Lieutenant Elliott was awarded the Bronze Star for his profound dedication and superb performance during military operations in Southeast Asia. While he was overseas, his young wife-herself an active-duty service member when they met-waited at home with their three small children: Mark, Sharon, and Lisa, hoping and praying for his safe return.
He later earned a master's degree in Hospital Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. His residency at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, marked another milestone in a career defined by perseverance and self-made success. In one of the proudest moments of his life, David was awarded a direct commission-rising from Technical Sergeant to Second Lieutenant overnight. He retired in 1976 holding the rank of Captain and earned numerous awards and accommodations all the way.
By the age of 38, David had already lived a life of extraordinary service, growth, and transformation. From small-town Kentucky to the life-altering events in Vietnam and into a new chapter of civilian life, he carried with him the values of hard work, resilience, adaptability and a passion to achieve more. David's first wife Joan held the family together. She facilitated every relocation with grace. She was a proud and dedicated member of the military community and helped the Elliott family to shine. Joan was the backbone and silent soldier. David's achievements were only possible because of her love and dedication for her family and our country.
After the military, David enjoyed life with his second wife, Carol Jean "CJ" Elliott, with whom he was married for 38 years. CJ's family became his own and he enjoyed their company and appreciated their oversite in his health, safety and happiness until the last day of his life. David and CJ spent time living in Vinita, Oklahoma and then Bonham, Texas, before settling in Fate, Texas near CJ's family. David spent several years as a hospital administrator and entrepreneur, and then as a high school teacher. David and CJ were devout Baptists and were very active in their church.
David was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Jean and Barbara Anne Elliott. He is survived by his children, Mark Elliott, Sharon Elliott (Shaw), and Lisa Elliott (Jewell); his beloved wife, Carol Jean Elliott; grandchildren Dr. Thomas Shaw, Kristen Jewell (Melton), Branden Jewell, and Courtney Elliott (Havins); and eight great-grandchildren who will carry his legacy forward with pride.
David's family would like to thank Carol Jean, her son Michael, wife Carole and all the other wonderful family members for being there for our father. May God Bless you all.