William A. Elliott III

William Arthur Elliott III (Bill) passed away on February 5th in the presence of loved ones. His family was everything to him. He cared deeply about people. Once he knew you or knew your story, you became someone he wanted to help in whatever way he could. If you were one of his friends or family, you had no doubt about his affection and profound concern for your well-being. If he had a way to do it, he would try to make your life better.

Bill was born in Mount Washington, Maryland. He was married to his beautiful wife, Polly, for 64 years (it was love at first sight). He referred to her as ‘his bride’ even in their golden years. From there came three children and a large, close, and loving family of nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren (and counting). Family gatherings at Bill and Polly’s home were loud and full of laughter. Bill’s favorite times were family vacations at the beach and hard-shell crab feasts with all the kids in attendance.

As a Veteran of the United States Army, Bill had a fierce love for his country. He was a steadfast supporter of the mistreated and oppressed. He hated a bully and stood up for the underdog in every situation.

His work ethic was central to everything he did. For 33 years, he worked for the B&O/Chessie System Railroad. He commuted to the Baltimore office from his home in Pennsylvania where he cared for horses, chickens, pigs, and steers before leaving for work in the morning and in the evening after a long day. He spent weekends landscaping, gardening, repairing fences and doing farm chores. He taught his family to work together early in the day so they could have fun together after they finished their work.

Bill loved the outdoors and animals of all kinds. In his lifetime he and Polly owned several homes surrounded by woods and wildlife. His joy was to work outside maintaining his property, aboard the tractor he drove until shortly before his death. He was pleased by the herds of deer that found sanctuary on his land. You could often find Bill watching wildlife from his porch while he sipped a hot coffee.

To his children and grandchildren Bill (Dad) (Pop-Pop) left a legacy of love for family, loyalty to one another, and a strong work ethic. He taught his lessons by his example that will live on through generations that follow.

Bill is preceded in death by his father William Arthur Elliott II and Mother Marcelle Sullivan Elliott. He is survived by his wife, Polly, his brother Bob (Ann) Elliott, daughter Kelly (Paul) Crouse, daughter Tracy (Dave) Thomas, son (Bill) William Elliott IV, grandchildren Daniel (Sally) Crouse, Megan (Jase) Neapolitan, Audra Garrod, Taylor (Nate) Hess, Brooke (Ruben) Swyers, Sawyer Garrod, Dawson Garrod, (Liam) William Elliott V, Connor Elliott, and great-grandchildren Maddox, Beau, Piper, Merritt, Callum, Charlie, River, Sullivan, Asher, Juniper, McCoy and Riggs.

Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd, York is honored to serve the family.