Colonel John E. Elliott was born September 27, 1931 in Hoopeston, Illinois.  After graduating from John Greer High School, John enlisted in the Navy.  He received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy and upon graduation was commissioned into the Air Force. 

His military career spanned over 31 years, involving 21 moves, with overseas tours in Newfoundland, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippine Islands.  He had over 5500 flying hours as a navigator and command pilot.  John was an Air War College graduate and earned a Masters degree from Troy State University.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, Humanitarian Service Medal and Air Medal with oak leaf cluster.

After his retirement in June 1986, John was appointed Director of the Georgia Military Distant Learning Center at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where he held that position until his death on April 14, 2000.  He was buried in Parkway Gardens, Warner Robins, Georgia.  In April 2003, the Georgia Military College dedicated Elliott Hall, a new campus at Warner Robins, in memory of John and his work.  He was a symbol of integrity and dedication in his long career and to his family.

John was an active member of various civic organizations, including the Order of Daedalians, and the Christ United Methodist Church.  He married Joyce Curry Elliott on December 27, 1958 in Hoopeston, Illinois.  John is survived by his wife Joyce, three children, Julie, Janie and Jeff, and ten grandchildren.