After a brief but courageous illness, Mr. Raymond Vaughn Elliott, 86, of West Jefferson, NC, joined God's Heavenly Choir on Saturday, December 29, 2007. Mr. Elliott was known for his sincere love and concern for everyone he met and for his special ability to make others laugh. He especially loved his church family and lived his Christian life so as to inspire someone else's life.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gwendolyn Gentry Elliott; a son, Tommy Elliott and wife Jeannie of Boone, a daughter; Diane Elliott Parsons and husband Frank of West Jefferson; four grandchildren Shane Elliott and wife Kelly and daughter Katie of Jefferson, Kristy Elliott and daughter Sierra of Wilmington, and Zane and Jena Parsons of West Jefferson; two sisters, Winfred Rash of Lansing and Ruth Huffman of Crumpler, one sister-in-law, Lessie Elliott of Smethport and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Elliott was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Flora Elliott and close brother Bluford Elliott, of Smethport.

Mr. Elliott received a bronze star from proudly serving his country in World War II during which time he spent ten months in a military hospital in the Pacific Islands due to heavy artillery. After words he returned to Ashe County where he had the honor of working with Dr. R.C. Ray, Sr., country doctor and friend. Mr. Elliott was employed at Ray Drug Store for 43 years. Affectionally known as "Doc," customers regularly sought his advice, enjoyed the old-time cherry cokes and milkshakes he made, and humbly accepted his offer to pay for medicine for their little ones when they couldn't afford it. He truly had a heart of gold, and especially when it came to kids.

During his life, Mr. Elliott enjoyed woodworking in the family's cabinet shop. Additionally, he shared many special friendships through his love of playing a good game of checkers, bowling a good game, and listening to beagles run a good rabbit race.

Mr. Elliott's family will receive friends at Boone Family Funeral Home in West Jefferson on Sunday from 6:00 � 8:00 pm. A celebration of his life will be held at Mission Home Baptist Church in Fleetwood on Monday, December 31, at 2:00 pm with officiating ministers, Jack Miller of West Jefferson, Tom Vestal of Mouth of Wilson, VA, and David Wellborn of Wilkesboro. Burial will follow in the Ashelawn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson with military rites conducted by members of the county's VFW and Jr. ROTC of Ashe County High School.

In place of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission Home Baptist Church c/o Mr. Raymond Brown / 171 Big Flatts Road Fleetwood, NC 28626. The family expresses their deep gratitude to Dr. Robert Griffith, Watauga Internal Medicine, Dr. Flint Gray, Seby Jones at Regional Cancer Center, and to the extra ordinary second floor nurses and staff, the Therapy Department and first floor cafeteria workers at Watauga Medical Center whose kindness made Mr. Elliott's time there so comfortable. Thank you, too, for the kindness of the many friends he so loved.