Richard “Bill” William Elliott, Jr., 82, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Bill was born on December 31, 1943, in Oxford, Mississippi, to the late Richard William Elliott, Sr. and Nona Lake Elliott. Following high school, Bill proudly served his country with the US Army, working in Army Communication while stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. Following his stint in the Army, Bill continued serving his country as a Software Engineer with Robins Air Force Base.

On May 31, 1973, Bill married the love of his life, Melanie Lynn Elliott, with whom he spent fifty-three wonderful years. Together, they raised their two children and eventually enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren. Bill’s greatest joy was spending time with his family – he counted every moment spent with them a blessing.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed camping – he even led a church camping class. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Bill used his outdoor skills to assist the disaster relief effort. Bill also spent time hiking the Appalachian Trail and sailing. When he had to be inside, he was a regular on his Ham Radio, known by his callsign KJ40.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melanie Lynn Elliott.

He is survived by his sons, Michael Elliott (Jessica) and Paul Elliott (Kelly), his grandchildren, Mason and Zoey Elliott, and his sister, Carolyn Carter (Gary).

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. A second Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CST at First Baptist Church of Oxford, Mississippi. Bill will then be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oxford, Mississippi.

The family will accept flowers or memorials may be made in honor of Bill to the charity of your choice.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.