Obituary of William Elliott

Obituary for William Samuel Elliott William Samuel Elliott, affectionately known as “Billy,” was born on October 31, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Katherine Elliott and Frank Elliott. He was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System and, as a young man, made a lasting commitment to service, family, and community. At the age of 23, Billy proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he rose to the rank of E3 Seaman. During his military service, he became a formidable force in the boxing world. In 1965 and 1966, he was named the All-Navy Light Middleweight Boxing Champion and was honored as the 147 lbs. Ruler of the 7th Fleet in October 1964. Among his many accolades were titles such as Worldwide All Navy Light. Middleweight Champion and All Specific Coast Welterweight Champion won on April 10 th and April 22 nd , 1965. In recognition of his service and athletic excellence, Seaman Elliott received a salutation from Project Luckey on November 9, 2014. Following his military service, Billy settled in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he lived until his peaceful passing at home on April 22, 2025. He dedicated 29 years of service to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a boiler operator, retiring in 2017. In 1979, he met the love of his life, Theresa Elliott, and the two married in 1986. Together, they have three beloved children and extended their hearts and home to more than 30 children in the foster care system. Their home was a beacon of warmth, laughter, and generosity — often filled with the sounds of music, the aroma of home-cooked meals, and the joy of family gatherings. Billy and Theresa cherished their time together. They enjoyed flea markets, traveling, dancing, and spending quality time with their ever-growing family. Billy especially loved telling stories — always animated, heartfelt, and filled with wisdom and humor. Though Billy was raised in the Catholic Church, in his later years he and Theresa found joy in fellowshipping at New Life in Christ Holistic Ministries, where they embraced a nurturing spiritual community and continued to grow in faith together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Frank Elliott, and his beloved sister Ernestine. He leaves behind his devoted wife Theresa Elliott; his children Terrance Elliott, Lisa Gilmore, and Christopher (Tiffany) Gilmore; and his cherished granddaughter whom he helped raise, Chareese Gilmore. Also mourning his loss are his loving siblings: Anna, Frank Jr., Marie, Mary, and Lilian. He is also remembered with love by his six sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Seaman William Elliott’s life was marked by service, strength, compassion, and unwavering love. He was a protector, a provider, a mentor, and a hero. And, while on April 22, 1965, he was ​ crowned the Navy’s Light Middleweight Champion. On April 22, 2025, he hung up his gloves one final time—this time stepping into eternity as Heaven’s undisputed champion. His legacy lives on in every life he touched — and he will be deeply missed.