David William Elliott

Beloved David William Elliott passed away at the age of 76 on October 2, 2025 at the Johnson City Medical Center. Born and raised in Erwin, TN, David was the son of June Elliott and William Turner Elliott Jr. He attended Unicoi County High School where he won the National Public Speaking competition in the 4-H Club and sang in the Tennessee All State Chorus. After high school David earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson Newman College. He received a Master of History from Wake Forest University and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. David was an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and served several churches throughout the Holston Conference.
Since David loved the outdoors and working with youth, he spent much of his ministry serving as Director of Camp Lookout United Methodist Camp in Rising Fawn, GA. Later he contributed as the Executive Director of Holston Conference Camping with that office in Johnson City. A lifelong learner, David earned a Master of English from East TN State University after retiring from the ministry. David took great joy in joining the faculty at ETSU as an adjunct professor teaching British and American literature.
Beyond academia, David was an avid hiker and completed the entire Appalachian Trail. He was an enthusiastic golfer, and a long-distance runner who never missed a day of running for 45 years. David enjoyed traveling the world with his wife of 43 years, Joan. Together they explored several countries and continents appreciating the multicultural art, music, literature and people of the places they visited.
To cherish his life and memory David leaves wife, Joan Hall Elliott, Johnson City, mother, June Elliott, Erwin TN, sister, Debbie Smith, Johnson City and niece, Lauren Smith, Knoxville TN. Several aunts, cousins and close friends Randy, Rusty, Ruby and Jen are also celebrating David's memory.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18th at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City at 2:00 P.M. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and honor David with your presence. You may wish to pay tribute to David by donating the American Brain Tumor Association- abta.org, or the World Central Kitchen- wck.org.
Special thanks to the compassionate and expert care from the Ballad Health Care Team throughout David's illness.