Nathaniel Y. Elliott, III

Nathaniel Y. Elliott, III, of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 11, 2012 at Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital. Mr. Elliott was born on August 30, 1928 in Jamestown, New York to his parents, Nathaniel Y. and Velma (Neckers) Elliott. After growing up in Mayville, New York Mr. Elliott served his country proudly in the United States Navy aboard the USS New Jersey. Upon the completion of his service, he earned his Masterís Degree from Syracuse University and taught English at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he met the future Mrs. Elliott. He was married on September 13, 1958 to Elizabeth Ann Schneider in Scranton, PA. The newlyweds chose to honeymoon in Williamsburg, Virginia (a choice that would have significance a few years later). Once married, the two moved to Ithaca, New York where Mr. Elliott earned his PhD in English Literature at Cornell University.

In 1963, the Elliottís returned to Williamsburg so he could join the English department at the College of William and Mary, a career that would last until his retirement in 1992. While a professor at William and Mary, he published many articles on literature, focusing on the poetry of the English Romantics. After retirement, Mr. Elliott continued to teach poetry as Professor Emeritus for the Christopher Wren Society. Mr. Elliott was an avid golfer and played every possible day on his beloved Spotswood golf course at The Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg, making many friends and a few holes-in-one along the way. He could be found every Wednesday at Berrets Restaurant enjoying the fellowship of his colleagues and friends in his lunch group. He was a generous, loving and peaceful husband, father and friend and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Mr. Elliott is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth ìBetsyî (Schneider) Elliott;his three children, Emily (Greg) Warren of Williamsburg, Nathaniel Y. (Amy) Elliott IV, of Williamsburg and Jonathan W. Elliott of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Margaret Elizabeth Elliott and Nathaniel Griffin Elliott, both of Williamsburg; brother, Stephen (Marilyn) Elliott of Mayville NY and sister-in-law, Nancy (Schneider) Davies of Williamsburg and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service officiated by Reverend Shirley Smith-Graham and Reverend Ben Campbell will be held at St. Martinís Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. His remains will be interred at St. Martinís immediately following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to St. Martinís Episcopal Church or the Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg, P.O. Box 1526, Williamsburg, VA 23187.