Graham Elliot, known to most as ‘Sandy’, left this earthly life on January 9, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer, with his wife Shirley Thomas Elliot by his side. He was 83. Married for 58 years, Sandy and Shirley had two children: Douglas Graham Elliot (Sheila) of Rocky Hill, Conn.; and Karen Jean Elliot of Clementon, N.J. Also surviving are his brother John Elliot of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren Douglas Elliot (Ashley) of Rocky Hill, Conn.; Jaclyn Elliot of Arlington, Va.; and great grandson Easton Graham Elliot. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Robinson of Tryon, N.C.

Sandy was born in Chicago, Ill. to Lawrence and Margaret Cant Elliot. Both parents, now deceased, are native-born Scots. Sandy was always proud of his Scots heritage. He moved to Atlantic Highlands, N.J. at an early age and attended Middletown Township Public Schools in Leonardo, N.J. After receiving his degree from Montclair State Teachers College, he returned to Middletown as a science teacher and soon after received his master’s degree from Montclair. In 1963 he received a National Science Foundation Grant to study at The University of Texas. In 1965 he moved to Danbury, Conn. where he raised his family and continued his teaching career at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, N.Y. As chairman of the science department, he enjoyed teaching and interacting with his students. He loved all sports but his favorite was golf. He became an accomplished amateur golfer.

Sandy and Shirley retired to Tryon, N.C. in 1996. Habitat for Humanity became part of his life, as he volunteered on the ‘Thursday crew’ for 17 years. Always active in the life of the church, he and Shirley found a “home” at Tryon Presbyterian, where Sandy was an elder and chaired several committees. He felt the guidance of God in his life and tried to live by his faith.

Sandy loved life and he loved people, particularly his family. Recently a friend said of him “He was a great guy—I’m glad to have known him!”

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Tryon Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may donate to: Tryon Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, NC  28782, or a charity of your choice.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory
Tryon, N.C.