Donald Ray Elliott

Donald R. Elliott (Don) age 77, passed away on February 9, 2018 with his loving family by his side.  Born July 17, 1940 in Rochester, PA, son of the late Harris and Doris Elliott of New Brighton, PA, he has been a resident of Daytona Beach area since 1991.  

Don was a 1958 graduate of Freedom High School and a 1963 graduate of Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. With teaching majors in French and Social Studies, he taught French at Pine Valley Central School, in South Dayton, NY for 3 years, did graduate work in French at Aurora College and Ohio State University, where he received a teaching fellowship in Lyon, France.  Don received a graduate teaching assistantship to teach beginning and intermediate French at the University of Arizona while earning his master’s degree in French language and literature. He accepted a position at Olivet College in Kankaee, IL where he served as Assistant Professor of French from 1969-1977. He worked with his brother John at Elliott Electric Supply store in Rochester, PA from 1977-1982. During this time, Don learned a new career and began a PA licensed auctioneer forming his own company, Don Elliott Auction Service. He also taught French at the Community College of Beaver County, and Geneva College.

After moving to Florida in 1991, Don worked as an auctioneer in Florida for a number of auction companies until he recently retired.  He was also a coin dealer selling coins at and through auctions. Don led a diverse life and was always happy in his pursuits.

Don loved eating out, traveling, and memorizing Bible verses, hunting and fishing, and serving in his church. Before he died, he said he had had a very happy life with few regrets. He will be missed by his family and friends. He was a member of Tomoka Christian Church, Ormond Beach. 

Don is survived by his wonderful loving wife, Rhonda Lynn of 15 years; his brother, John; his daughter, Dawn Marie Kendall of Orlando; his son, Matthew of Leesburg; step children, Amanda and John Prinkey and 8 grandchildren, Brook, Cameron, Michael, Rayden, Elizabeth, Kaiti, Penny, and Isabelle; plus many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brothers,  Charles and Dick Trenary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial to Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 1768, Paintsville, KY 41240.

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Sunday, February 11 at Sea Pines Memorial Gardens, Edgewater, with Pastor Tim Buford officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10 at Settle-Wilder New Smyrna Beach Chapel.