Claude Franklin Elliott

Claude Franklin Elliott (Frank) 12/4/1934-12/30/2020 Claude Franklin Elliott (Frank), born December 4,1934 in Henderson, NC to Viola and Claude Elliott, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the age of 86. Having spent his youth working on his family’s tobacco farm, one of Frank’s most treasured early experiences was being chosen for the NC All State football team, which allowed him to travel away from his small hometown and out of state for the first time in his life. Frank attended college at North Carolina State University, majoring in engineering. He finished his academic career with the designation of Outstanding Senior in Engineering, which gave him the honor of delivering the graduation speech for the engineering department. He also belonged to several academic honor societies, including The Golden Chain, Knights of St. Patrick, Pi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi, Keramos, and the Blue Key. While excelling academically, Frank made sure to engage fully in all aspects of campus life. He was a walk-on to the NCSU football team, president of his sophomore and junior classes, and president of his fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha). He also participated in ROTC, earning the title of Cadet of the Year his sophomore year and graduating with the rank of second lieutenant. He later went on to serve in the Army Reserves, earning the rank of captain. While in college, Frank met and married Jane Leach. After graduation, Frank and Jane moved to Chattanooga, TN, where he worked for a 3M subsidiary. In 1961 he moved to Monroe, NC to work for Allvac Metals, which later became Allegheny Technologies. His career there spanned thirty-seven years and included leadership positions in all areas of the company, including vice president of technology, vice president of quality control, vice president of foreign sales, and chief operating officer. He was a lifetime member of the American Society of Metals. In Monroe, Frank engaged in many areas of civic life. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce; chairman of the United Way of Union, Stanley, and Cabarrus Counties; president of the Union County Community Arts Council; treasurer of Kiwanis Club; president of Rolling Hills Country Club; and a board member and treasurer of Health Quest (a non-profit distributing medication to needy local residents). He also served eight years on the Monroe City School Board. Church and faith life were central for Frank, and his involvement included service on church committees, outreach and mission service, and spiritual growth through Sunday School and regular worship attendance. At Central United Methodist Church, he served on the building committee, chaired the administrative board, and joined various mission trips, including trips to Cuba and to eastern NC in the wake of Hurricane Floyd. He also delivered nutrition assistance to impoverished community members and facilitated visitation between incarcerated parents and their children. In character, Frank was equal parts a dedicated, committed, hardworking participant in any endeavor he joined, a lover of play and gatherings with friends and family, and an explorer of new ideas and skills. When Frank said yes to any request (and he seldom said no), he took his obligation seriously and dedicated as much time and attention as was needed to ensure its success. His focus was not on accumulating positions, though he held many, but on contributing to meaningful outcomes for things that he felt mattered. He had tremendous integrity and humility and earned the trust and admiration of friends, family, and co-workers alike. His family remembers his enthusiastic enjoyment of beach games and making drip castles, uninhibited play with little ones, belting out of Johnny Cash songs during beach Karaoke night, and immediate presence on any dance floor. Some of Frank’s greatest pleasures in recent decades were his trips and dinners with “The Jones Brothers,” which included a rafting trip down the Chattahoochee River, a harrowing boat ride to Frying Pan Shoals, and other adventures. Frank is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jane; children Pollyann Holthusen and husband Greg, Trish Moore and husband John, Mike Elliott and wife Minna, Mark Elliott and wife Dorsey, and Mary Jane Elliott and husband Kelly Mitter; grandchildren Elliott Weeks and wife Lauren, Ginger Moore, Jack Moore, Emily Gaffney and husband Mike, Dennis Elliott and wife Anna, Frank Elliott and wife Caroline, and Hunter Elliott; great grandchildren Lily Weeks, Mimi Weeks, Jack Weeks, Evy Moore, and Grayson Elliott; sisters-in-law Polly Webb and Linda Leach; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Viola and Claude Elliott, and his sister, Christine Callis. A memorial service for family members will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Monroe at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Donations in Frank’s honor may be made to Central United Methodist Church (801 South Hayne St., Monroe, NC 28112 or www.centralumcmonroe.org) or First Presbyterian Church TV Ministry (200 West Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202 or https://www.firstpres-charlotte.org/giving/ -- TV Ministry is midway down the page). Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Elliott Family.